10:19 AM PT — Biles has taken to social media to celebrate her team’s silver medal … praising her squadmates for pulling through after her exit.
“I’m SO proud of these girls right here,” the 24-year-old wrote. “You girls are incredibly brave & talented! I’ll forever be inspired by your determination to not give up and to fight through adversity!”
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She added, “They stepped up when I couldn’t. thanks for being there for me and having my back! forever love y’all.”
7:25 AM PT — Biles just gave a tearful explanation for her withdrawal from the competition … saying it was NOT injury related — she’s been struggling with mental health issues.
“Just my pride is hurt a little bit,” Biles told reporters.
“After the performance that I did, I didn’t want to go into the other events so I thought I would take a step back,” she added.
Biles says she’s been seeing a therapist to help battle her “demons” … and is going to use Wednesday as a “mental health day.”
“I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being.”
Biles is keeping the door open on competing on Thursday.
6:23 AM PT — Team USA was still able to make the podium without Biles … securing the silver medal, with the Russian Olympic Committee (AKA Russia) winning the gold.
Simone Biles has withdrawn from the gymnastics team finals in Tokyo — the Olympic superstar is dealing with a “medical issue” that has forced her to back out of the event, officials say.
There are conflicting reports on what caused Biles — quite possibly the greatest gymnast of all time — to leave the competition. The 24-year-old appeared to suffer an injury early in the event, but the NBC’s broadcast stated a coach claimed her withdrawal was due to a “mental issue.”
USA Gymnastics released a statement Tuesday morning … saying, “Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue.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.”
Biles seemingly injured her leg after landing her vault attempt … speaking with a trainer and leaving the floor before returning with her right leg wrapped.
It’s crushing news for Team USA — the Red, White and Blue were favorites to take home the gold for the third-straight Games.
Biles spoke out about the pressure to succeed after prelims on Monday … saying, “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!”
There’s still hope for the 4-time gold medalist — she could possibly be recovered in time for the all-around finals on Thursday.
Originally Published — 5:46 AM PT
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