In a stunning shock for Team USA, Simone Biles pulled out of the women’s gymnastics team finals at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday, July 27 due to an apparent injury. USA Gymnastics issued a statement on Twitter confirming Biles’ removal from the team finals but clarifying that her participation in later events has yet to be determined. “Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue,” the tweet read. “She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”
According to reports, Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, competed in her first rotation on the vault. However, according to the New York Times, she opted out of the twist she had planned, then stumbled on the landing. Afterwards, Biles was seen huddling with a trainer and then exited the competition floor with team doctor Marcia Faustin. She reportedly returned to the floor with a heavily strapped foot. USA Gymnastics have not commented on the nature of the injury, but according to MSNBC reporter Chris Jansing, the injury is not serious. “Physically she is fine,” Biles’ coach reportedly told NBC. “But she is done for tonight.”
Upon returning, Biles hugged her teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee, and Jordan Chiles and removed her bar grips, indicating that she would not be moving forward in the uneven bars competition. Chiles ended up taking her place as Biles cheered on her team from the sidelines.
More to come…
