According to CBS news American gymnastics superstar and defending champion Simone Biles removed herself from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being, USA Gymnastics said.
The organization said in a statement Wednesday that “after further medical evaluation,” Biles, 24, decided not to take part “in order to focus on her mental health.”
“We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many,” USA Gymnastics said.
This morning Michelle Obama added to that list of supporters with a poignant message directed at Simone. She said:
Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the the silver medal, Team @USA
This was her tweet:
Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the the silver medal, Team @USA! ?
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 28, 2021
Many agreed with Michelle Obama, siting that Simone did the right thing. The weight of the world on your mind can be devastating not just mentally but physically as well.
She did the right thing! Going forward with the team competition when she knew she was not in a mentally right place would not have been the spirit of a team player or champion, but a narcissist. Glad she’s a good one!!
— Gaysian Scarlet Witch (@CMouaDelRey) July 28, 2021
and
Simone demonstrates a strength from which we should all learn! We are our greatest gift, and we should take care of all aspects of ourselves!!! Love Simone for being a GREAT human being!!!
— TammyLR (@AmericaIsBack70) July 28, 2021
and
I love this. I love that she gave so many people permission to prioritize self-care. ?
— Rachel Wilder (@RachelTheWilder) July 28, 2021
With all of the support, Simone will need to remain even stronger because not everyone is happy about her decision to prioritize herself. Many accusing her of quitting prematurely and tapping out when things get tough.
If everyone in America quit their jobs when things got tough…we wouldn’t be the nation we are today. I recognize her need for self help, I just wish she had invested in it prior to the Olympics. I was disappointed today.
— SNowell (@nowell_sunday) July 28, 2021
and
Kerri Strug showed us all toughness, @Simone_Biles showed us how to give up
— Iam_CaptainAmerica (@IamCaptainAmer1) July 28, 2021
and
But ultimately a quitter and not a team player. Shouldn’t of been there in the first place if she was so fragile and has taken the place of another potential Olympic champion. Selfish.
— Paul (@My_Living_Hell) July 28, 2021
The truth is, it’s easy to Tweet, and share our opinions, but only Simone knows what it’s like to perform at her level with the attention she is given.
Simone you are a rockstar. You epitomize everything that we should aspire to be. Hard working, determined, humble, and fierce- to name a few. Your legacy will live on in so many young girls that you have inspired.
— Tawanda (@Tawanda94883837) July 28, 2021
Simone is a legend, there is no denying that!
