US Gymnast Suni Lee Shares Her Thoughts On Simone Biles' Withdrawal
The U.S. women's gymnastics team competing in Tokyo is made up of Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, MyKayla Skinner, and Jade Carey, and the world was stunned when Biles exited from the Olympics.
The 24-year-old withdrew from the team final on Tuesday and has already withdrawn from the all-around competition on Thursday, due to mental health reasons. After her one rotation on July 27, Biles helped cheer on her team, which came in second behind the Russian Olympic Committee. She will be evaluated daily, in order to decide if she will participate in the individual events next week (via The New York Post).
She spoke with Today's Hoda Kotb, saying, "Physically, I feel good, I'm in shape. 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."
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
Simone Biles said her teammates stepped up when she couldn't
Before the finals, Simone Biles posted to Instagram. "It wasn't an easy day or my best but I got through it. I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn't affect me but damn sometimes it's hard hahaha! The olympics is no joke! BUT I'm happy my family was able to be with me virtually — they mean the world to me."
After removing herself from the team final on Tuesday, she posted a group shot of her and her teammates, with a caption that read, "OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALISTS I'm SO proud of these girls right here. You girls are incredibly brave & talented! I'll forever be inspired by your determination to not give up and to fight through adversity! They stepped up when I couldn't. thanks for being there for me and having my back! forever love y'all."
Fans, celebrities, and athletes shared their thoughts on Simone Biles' exit
Since Simone Biles is regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, her stepping back from the games was quite a surprise — one on which everyone seemed to have an opinion.
Shannon Miller, the Olympics' most decorated U.S. female gymnast, said, "What I think is really important here is, you have Simone, who clearly knew something wasn't quite right, and when you are flying and flipping and turning 10, 15 feet above the floor, looking for a landing, you better be in the right headspace or really bad things are going to happen ... I think it's so important for the message to be sent that it is important to be aware of your body, be aware of your emotional state and your mental state as well. I think that's a good message for all of us" (via CNBC).
Former Team USA gymnast Aly Raisman said, "I know that all of these athletes dream of this moment for their whole entire lives, and so I'm just completely devastated. I am obviously so worried and just hoping that Simone is okay ... I think it's also just really important to think about how much pressure has been on her, and there's only so much that someone can take. She's human, and I think sometimes people forget that. And Simone, just like everyone else, is doing the best that she can" (via TODAY).
Simone Biles' teammates showed their support
Grace McCallum shared on Instagram that she was "proud" and "blessed" of "the fighting four." Jordan Chiles dedicated a post to Simone Biles, saying, "words can't explain how proud I am of you." And on Tuesday night, Suni Lee tweeted, "never been prouder to be apart of such an amazing team with an amazing group of girls. we stepped up when we needed to and did this for ourselves. we do not owe anyone a gold medal, we are WINNERS in our hearts."
Lee's father, John Lee, told WCCO that his daughter almost skipped the Olympics herself because he was in surgery and was partially paralyzed after falling off of a ladder in 2019. "Her and her coach came over, and I woke up and said, 'You worked so hard for it, just go. Sunisa, she's very persistent. Whatever she sets her mind to, she'll go for it."
All of these young women are clearly persistent, strong, and talented, as they are making us proud while showing off their skills in Tokyo and beyond.