Simone Biles Will Have Tokyo 2020 Olympics Return In Balance Beam Final

Aug 02, 2021 by apost team

After withdrawing from two events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it's been announced that gymnast Simone Biles will in fact return for the balance beam final. Like many people, both sports enthusiasts and otherwise might know by now, Biles announced her withdrawal from the all-around competition at the Olympics on July 28, citing her mental health. The athlete’s July 28 decision came a day after Biles opted not to compete in the team final after doing one rotation because of her mental state.

During the team event, Biles’ withdrawal ended with the U.S. women taking silver, losing to the Russian Olympic Committee. It was the first time that the U.S. women haven’t won gold in the team event since 2010.

Despite the loss for Team USA, Biles has been praised for setting clear boundaries for herself and her wellbeing, as well as drawing attention to mental health in the world of professional sports in general. 

The news that Biles would return for the balance beam final was announced by USA Gymnastics on Twitter, where they wrote:

"We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow — Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!! Can’t wait to watch you both!"

Biles, 24, has received a lot of support since she announced she wouldn't continue in the team event, leading her to post on her personal Twitter: "The outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before."

While Biles’ admission might be unheard of at an earlier Olympic Games, the gymnast is one of a growing number of star athletes who are ready to admit their vulnerability and put their mental health first. And given the high stakes of performing at the Olympics — during a global pandemic, no less — it’s not surprising that the most decorated and celebrated gymnast of the 21st century felt the immense weight of having to measure up to her performance in Rio.

Among the professional athletes supporting Biles in her decision is swimmer Michael Phelps, who himself has won 23 Olympic medals over the years. He said in an interview:

“It’s so important, especially to teach kids at a young age to take control of their physical and mental health," he said. "We’re human beings. Nobody is perfect."

Meanwhile, golfer Rory McIlroy weighed in too, stating:

"I live in the United States and anything that came on the TV about the Olympics, it was Simone Biles.

"You've got 300 whatever million [people in the USA], so the weight on her shoulders is massive."

McIlroy went on to praise tennis champion Naomi Osaka for withdrawing from the French Open earlier this summer for similar reasons relating to mental health. He added that he thought it was the right thing to do and said:

"I'm certainly very impressed with, especially those two women, to do what they did and put themselves first."

Putting her mental health above the spectacle of the Olympic Games shouldn’t be controversial or shameful. After all, Biles isn’t just some national sports symbol or gymnastics superhero. She’s human.

apost.com

Have you been following Simone Biles' journey at the Tokyo Olympics? What do you think about her returning for the balance beam event? Pass this on so others can stay up to date with the news too.