Tokyo 2020: Simone Biles pulls out of Olympic vault and uneven bars finals for mental health reasons

SIMONE BILES has pulled out of the finals of the vault and uneven bars at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for mental health reasons.

The American legend, 24, withdrew from the women’s individual all-around gymnastics final earlier this week citing mental health concerns having pulled out of the team event.

AP

Simone Biles has pulled out of the finals of the vault and uneven bars due to mental health reasons[/caption]

And after consulting medical staff, Biles has now pulled out of the apparatus finals at this year’s Games.

Biles will continue to be evaluated ahead of next week’s floor and beam events – her final hopes of winning gold in Tokyo.

A USA Gymnastics statement read: “After further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars.

“She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether to compete in the finals for floor exercise and balance beam.

“MyKayla Skinner, who had the fourth highest score in vault during qualifications, will compete in vault finals for the US alongside Jade Carey – who finished with the second highest score.”

The statement added: “We remain in awe of Simone, who continues to handle this situation with courage and grace, and all of the athletes who have stepped up during these unexpected circumstances.”

‘FIGHTING DEMONS’

The sport’s most dominant star – a four-time Olympic gold medallist – and previously admitted she has struggled to cope with the weight of expectation.

The Ohio-born star revealed she was not in the ‘right headspace’ to continue, she has been ‘fighting demons’ and would not carry on if it jeopardised her health and wellbeing.

Biles qualified for all four of the apparatus finals and was set to become the face of these delayed Games.

The vault and uneven bars finals go ahead on Sunday August 1, then it’s the floor exercise on Monday and balance beam next Tuesday.

On Tuesday she confirmed she was not injured, explaining: “Just a little injury to my pride.

“I have to focus on my mental health.

“I just think mental health is more prevalent in sports right now…we have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.

“I don’t trust myself as much anymore, maybe it’s getting older.

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“There were a couple of days when everybody tweets you and you feel the weight of the world.

“We’re not just athletes, we’re people at the end of the day and sometimes you just have to step back.

“We have to protect our body and our mind. It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head.”