Top U.S. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of the team finals on Tuesday due to a “medical issue.”
Biles, the 24-year-old with five Olympic medals, withdrew after competing in one event, the U.S. Olympics team confirmed. Without her, the Russian Olympic Committee edged out Team USA, the defending champions, and the U.S. ended up with a silver medal.
“Physically, I feel good. I’m in shape,” she told NBC. “Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming here to the Olympics and being the head star isn’t an easy feat, so we’re just trying to take it one day at a time, and we’ll see.”
The U.S. finished with a score of 166.096, while the Russian Olympic Committee won with a 169.528 score.
A Team USA coach said Biles’s withdrawal was not “injury related,” rather “it’s a mental issue that Simone is having,” according to NBC.
Following the initial announcement, USA Gymnastics confirmed the issue was “medical.” The exact reason for her withdrawal has not been announced.
“Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue.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,” USA Gymnastics said.
The gymnastics star’s withdrawal came after she faltered badly on her vault, which left team USA behind Russia. Shortly after the mistake, she left the competition floor with her bag and a trainer. She was slated to compete on the uneven bars in the second rotation, but Jordan Chiles was subbed in for her.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Biles, who became the first woman since 1992 to advance to all six possible Olympic finals during qualifiers, returned to the arena and hugged her teammates.
