Update 2
After earlier reports that Biles withdrew over a “mental issue,” team USA now says it was a “medical issue” and she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions”:
Official statement: "Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."
Thinking of you, Simone! pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 27, 2021
Update 1
We’re seeing reports that a coach told NBC Sports that it’s a “mental issue” and not an injury:
Simone Biles update:
While Team USA did not immediately explain why Biles was pulled, NBC's John Roethlisberger relayed: "We've just been told that, with regards to Simone withdrawing, it is not injury-related. It is a mental issue that Simone is having."https://t.co/be9LZmWgn7
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 27, 2021
She did post about about the pressure she’s under on Instagram on Monday:
“I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times”
A post from Simone Biles just yesterday. Her coach has told @NBCNews a mental issue, not injury, is behind her decision to withdraw from tonight’s team USA final @7NewsAustralia pic.twitter.com/bAtL25bSLU
— Ashlee Mullany (@AshleeMullany) July 27, 2021
Original post
Breaking news out of Tokyo where we’re seeing reports that U.S. gymnastics superstar Simone Biles will not be competing in the team finals:
Simone Biles has been scratched
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) July 27, 2021
News: Simone Biles has pulled out of the team finals for team USA after the vault.
She’s still the greatest of all time but it’s a useful reminder that even the most talented athlete in the world is still human.
— Jason Aten (@JasonAten) July 27, 2021
#Simone Biles has pulled out of the team finals after a rough vault, and I really hope she is ok. #Olympics
— Becky Metrick (@BeckyMetrick) July 27, 2021
She had left the arena earlier with medical staff after reportedly struggling on the vault:
Simone Biles struggles on vault, leaves arena with member of medical staff https://t.co/eTo9xpTzNv
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 27, 2021
We’ll keep you posted:
Via NBC broadcast: "We are being told that Simone Biles has now pulled out of the entire Team Finals. We don't know why. We aren't going to speculate, but that is crushing news." https://t.co/oPEZk0xKnR
— Al Butler (@ALaboutSports) July 27, 2021
“The entire Olympics just changed”:
The scene here: Simone Biles is with her teammates, encouraging them, including after Jordan Chiles's big routine on the bars. But she is wearing a sweatsuit, and reporters — including from @nrarmour — say she is done for the night.
The entire Olympics just changed.
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) July 27, 2021
Editor’s note: This post has been updated.
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