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Topics: News, Olympics, Simone Biles
Kimberley Bond
Simone Biles is returning to the Olympic Games.
The gymnastics star, 24, withdrew from two events taking place in Tokyo as a means to protect her mental health.
But the USA Olympic Gymnastics team have since confirmed Simone’s return for the balance beam finals.
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A tweet from their official account read: “We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow - Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!! Can’t wait to watch you both!”
Simone pulled out of the Olympic Games after a medical evaluation determined that she was not ready to compete, following her decision to leave the women’s team event.
Speaking about her decision at a press conference, she explained: “I say put mental health first because if you don’t then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed as much as you want to.
“So it’s OK sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself because it shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are, rather than just battle through it.”
Simone’s decision to focus on her mental wellbeing won widespread praise.
Mental health charity Mind wrote on Twitter: “Working in elite sports like gymnastics comes with unimaginably high levels of pressure, perfectionism, scrutiny, and comparison. Simone Biles is incredibly brave for speaking out, and highlighting the importance of looking after your mental health.
“Simone is a role model for women and girls everywhere. She deserves our applause, respect, appreciation – and above all our support right now.”
The charity Rethink Mental Illness added: “Everyone needs to prioritise their mental health, even the best athletes in the world. Simone Biles’s decision to withdraw from an Olympics final will not have been taken lightly, and it’s great to see the support she received from her teammates.”