Hollywood star Denzel Washington can now add another achievement to his list of accolades as he is set to receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to Variety, US President Joe Biden on Friday announced the 17 recipients of the honour, which is presented annually in a ceremony at the White House every July. The medal recognises public figures who have made notable contributions to American society, culture, politics, or world peace.

Among the honorees, Washington is the only actor or entertainment figure recognised this year. However, sports figures Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe, among others, will also be presented with the Medal of Freedom on July 7.

Washington is one of his generation's most celebrated actors, directors, and producers. Over the course of his career, he has won two Oscars for the films 'Glory’ and ‘Malcolm X', in addition to receiving eight other nominations, including this year for 'The Tragedy of Macbeth’.

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Other honours he has received include a Tony Award for his work in the 2010 revival of ‘Fences’ and a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (an honorary Golden Globe Award) in 2016 for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. In 2020, Washington was named the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times, as per Variety.&nbsp;

Hollywood star Denzel Washington can now add another achievement to his list of accolades as he is set to receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to Variety, US President Joe Biden on Friday announced the 17 recipients of the honour, which is presented annually in a ceremony at the White House every July.

Hollywood star Denzel Washington can now add another achievement to his list of accolades as he is set to receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to Variety, US President Joe Biden on Friday announced the 17 recipients of the honour, which is presented annually in a ceremony at the White House every July. The medal recognises public figures who have made notable contributions to American society, culture, politics, or world peace. Among the honorees, Washington is the only actor or entertainment figure recognised this year. However, sports figures Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe, among others, will also be presented with the Medal of Freedom on July 7. Washington is one of his generation's most celebrated actors, directors, and producers. Over the course of his career, he has won two Oscars for the films 'Glory’ and ‘Malcolm X', in addition to receiving eight other nominations, including this year for 'The Tragedy of Macbeth’. Also Read: Oscars 2022: Denzel Washington consoled Will Smith after he smacked Chris Rock on stage Other honours he has received include a Tony Award for his work in the 2010 revival of ‘Fences’ and a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (an honorary Golden Globe Award) in 2016 for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. In 2020, Washington was named the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times, as per Variety.

Denzel Washington among honorees set to receive US Presidential Medal of Freedom

Former Olympic gymnasts, including gold medalist Simone Biles, are among dozens of assault victims who are seeking more than $1 billion from the FBI for failing to stop sports doctor Larry Nassar.

Gold medalist Simone Biles, others seek over $1 billion from FBI

From Christian Eriksen to Neeraj Chopra: Top ten most searched athletes on Google in 2021

Sunisa Lee, who is an American artistic gymnast and won gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games this year, revealed a horrific story when she was pepper-sprayed in an apparent anti-Asian attack.&nbsp;

During an interview with media outlet PopSugar, which was published on Wednesday, Lee opened up on a range of topics — from her journey so far to aiming to win more medals; and also talked about coping with cruel realities of anti-Asian hate in America.&nbsp;

Anti-Asian hate in the United States has been fueled by COVID-19 misinformation in recent times. During the interview, the 18-year-old gymnast revealed the incident when she was out with friends in Los Angeles.&nbsp;

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They were waiting for a cab ride when a car drove by and people sitting inside&nbsp;of the vehicle were shouting slurs. They pepper-sprayed on her arm as the car sped away.&nbsp;

"I was so mad, but there was nothing I could do or control because they skirted off. I didn't do anything to them, and having the reputation, it's so hard because I didn't want to do anything that could get me into trouble. I just let it happen," Lee, who is of Hmong descent, recalled the incident which happened in October.&nbsp;

At the Tokyo Games, Lee won women's all-around gymnastics gold succeeding defending champion Simone Biles after she withdrew. She also won team silver and individual bronze on uneven bars at the event.&nbsp;

Lee says she grew up in the Hmong community in St Paul, Minnesota and her parents emigrated from Laos before she was even born. &nbsp;Lee is currently appearing on ABC television's "Dancing With the Stars" competition program.&nbsp;

Sunisa Lee, who is an American artistic gymnast and won gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games this year, revealed a horrific story when she was pepper-sprayed in an apparent anti-Asian attack.

Sunisa Lee, who is an American artistic gymnast and won gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games this year, revealed a horrific story when she was pepper-sprayed in an apparent anti-Asian attack. During an interview with media outlet PopSugar, which was published on Wednesday, Lee opened up on a range of topics — from her journey so far to aiming to win more medals; and also talked about coping with cruel realities of anti-Asian hate in America. Anti-Asian hate in the United States has been fueled by COVID-19 misinformation in recent times. During the interview, the 18-year-old gymnast revealed the incident when she was out with friends in Los Angeles. ALSO READ | Joe Biden to attend Beijing Winter Olympics? Report says he might get a personal invitation from Xi Jinping They were waiting for a cab ride when a car drove by and people sitting inside of the vehicle were shouting slurs. They pepper-sprayed on her arm as the car sped away. "I was so mad, but there was nothing I could do or control because they skirted off. I didn't do anything to them, and having the reputation, it's so hard because I didn't want to do anything that could get me into trouble. I just let it happen," Lee, who is of Hmong descent, recalled the incident which happened in October. At the Tokyo Games, Lee won women's all-around gymnastics gold succeeding defending champion Simone Biles after she withdrew. She also won team silver and individual bronze on uneven bars at the event. Lee says she grew up in the Hmong community in St Paul, Minnesota and her parents emigrated from Laos before she was even born. Lee is currently appearing on ABC television's "Dancing With the Stars" competition program.

Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee says she was pepper-sprayed in racist attack: 'There was nothing I could do'

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles held back tears as she accused the FBI and US gymnastic and olympic officials of failing to stop sexual abuse that she and hundreds of other athletes suffered from at the hands of Dr Larry Nasser.

Gymnasts blast FBI for mishandling Nassar Investigation

FBI Director Christopher Wray and several elite gymnasts, including Simone Biles, were testifying at a Senate hearing Wednesday on the agency’s botched handling of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case, the first public questioning of the failure to properly investigate one of the biggest sexual abuse cases in U.S. history.

McKayla Maroney, a former Olympic gymnast, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that she spent hours telling FBI agents how Nassar had repeatedly sexually abused her, only to have them misrepresent her statements later.

“Not only did the FBI not report my abuse, but when they eventually documented my report 17 months later, they made entirely false claims about what I said,” Maroney testified. She said she was 15 when she spoke to agents. “They chose to lie about what I said and protect a serial child molester rather than protect not only me but countless others.”

The hearing comes days after the FBI fired one agent who initially worked on the case investigating Nassar, the former national gymnastics team doctor who ultimately was convicted on state charges of abusing scores of gymnasts, including Olympians, under the guise of physical exams.

And it comes two months after the Justice Department’s inspector general released a report that sharply criticized the FBI for making crucial errors in the matter. Those errors allowed Nassar to continue treating patients for eight months at Michigan State University, where he practiced, and in and around Lansing, Michigan, including at a local gymnastics center and a high school.

Nassar, who is serving what amounts to life in prison for sexual misconduct, was able to molest more than 70 girls and women while the FBI failed to act, the inspector general’s report said.

Two FBI agents initially assigned to the case no longer work for the agency. Michael Langeman, a supervisory special agent in the FBI’s Indianapolis office, was fired in the days leading up to Wednesday’s hearing, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. Those people did not want their names published because they do not have the authority to speak about the case. The Washington Post was the first to publish news of Langeman’s firing.

Langeman, who was not immediately available for comment, was not named in the inspector general report, but his actions as the special supervisory agent, and his multiple crucial missteps, were described in detail. The report said Langeman should have known that Nassar’s abuse was probably widespread, yet he did not investigate the case with any urgency.

Langeman interviewed just one of the three elite gymnasts who gave USA Gymnastics details of Nassar’s abuse and did not properly document that interview or open an investigation. In an interview report Langeman filed with the FBI 17 months after he spoke to that gymnast — Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney, who was not named in the report — he included statements she did not make, according to the report.

Like other agents initially involved in the case, Langeman also did not alert local or state officials of Nassar’s alleged abuse, violating FBI policy that states that crimes against children “invariably require a broad, multijurisdictional, and multidisciplinary approach.”

Langeman later said he had filed an initial report about Nassar, asking for the case to be transferred to the Lansing office because that’s where Nassar was based at Michigan State. But the paperwork wasn’t found in the FBI database, the inspector general’s report said.

W. Jay Abbott, a special agent in the FBI’s Indianapolis office, also is no longer with the FBI, after retiring in 2018. The report said he made false statements to Justice Department investigators and also “violated FBI policy and exercised extremely poor judgment under federal ethics rules.” According to the report, he had been angling for a job with the United States Olympic &amp; Paralympic Committee and discussed it with then-President of USA Gymnastics Steve Penny. Abbott applied for the job with the USOPC but didn’t get the position — yet told Justice Department investigators that he never applied.

Hundreds of girls and women who were abused by Nassar have been waiting to hear from the FBI about the mistakes in the case. Biles, the Olympic gold medalist, has been vocal about wanting to know “who knew what, and when” about Nassar. She won a silver medal and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games after dropping out of the team competition because of a mental health issue.

Biles was testifying alongside former teammates Maroney, Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols, who is known as “Athlete A” in the Nassar case because she was the first elite gymnast to report the abuse to USA Gymnastics. That was in July 2015. The Lansing office of the FBI opened its official investigation into Nassar in October 2016.

FBI Director Christopher Wray and several elite gymnasts, including Simone Biles, were testifying at a Senate hearing Wednesday on the agency’s botched handling of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case, the first public questioning of the failure to properly investigate one of the biggest sexual abuse cases in U.

FBI Director Christopher Wray and several elite gymnasts, including Simone Biles, were testifying at a Senate hearing Wednesday on the agency’s botched handling of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case, the first public questioning of the failure to properly investigate one of the biggest sexual abuse cases in U.S. history. McKayla Maroney, a former Olympic gymnast, told the Senate Judiciary Committee that she spent hours telling FBI agents how Nassar had repeatedly sexually abused her, only to have them misrepresent her statements later. “Not only did the FBI not report my abuse, but when they eventually documented my report 17 months later, they made entirely false claims about what I said,” Maroney testified. She said she was 15 when she spoke to agents. “They chose to lie about what I said and protect a serial child molester rather than protect not only me but countless others.” The hearing comes days after the FBI fired one agent who initially worked on the case investigating Nassar, the former national gymnastics team doctor who ultimately was convicted on state charges of abusing scores of gymnasts, including Olympians, under the guise of physical exams. And it comes two months after the Justice Department’s inspector general released a report that sharply criticized the FBI for making crucial errors in the matter. Those errors allowed Nassar to continue treating patients for eight months at Michigan State University, where he practiced, and in and around Lansing, Michigan, including at a local gymnastics center and a high school. Nassar, who is serving what amounts to life in prison for sexual misconduct, was able to molest more than 70 girls and women while the FBI failed to act, the inspector general’s report said. Two FBI agents initially assigned to the case no longer work for the agency. Michael Langeman, a supervisory special agent in the FBI’s Indianapolis office, was fired in the days leading up to Wednesday’s hearing, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. Those people did not want their names published because they do not have the authority to speak about the case. The Washington Post was the first to publish news of Langeman’s firing. Langeman, who was not immediately available for comment, was not named in the inspector general report, but his actions as the special supervisory agent, and his multiple crucial missteps, were described in detail. The report said Langeman should have known that Nassar’s abuse was probably widespread, yet he did not investigate the case with any urgency. Langeman interviewed just one of the three elite gymnasts who gave USA Gymnastics details of Nassar’s abuse and did not properly document that interview or open an investigation. In an interview report Langeman filed with the FBI 17 months after he spoke to that gymnast — Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney, who was not named in the report — he included statements she did not make, according to the report. Like other agents initially involved in the case, Langeman also did not alert local or state officials of Nassar’s alleged abuse, violating FBI policy that states that crimes against children “invariably require a broad, multijurisdictional, and multidisciplinary approach.” Langeman later said he had filed an initial report about Nassar, asking for the case to be transferred to the Lansing office because that’s where Nassar was based at Michigan State. But the paperwork wasn’t found in the FBI database, the inspector general’s report said. W. Jay Abbott, a special agent in the FBI’s Indianapolis office, also is no longer with the FBI, after retiring in 2018. The report said he made false statements to Justice Department investigators and also “violated FBI policy and exercised extremely poor judgment under federal ethics rules.” According to the report, he had been angling for a job with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and discussed it with then-President of USA Gymnastics Steve Penny. Abbott applied for the job with the USOPC but didn’t get the position — yet told Justice Department investigators that he never applied. Hundreds of girls and women who were abused by Nassar have been waiting to hear from the FBI about the mistakes in the case. Biles, the Olympic gold medalist, has been vocal about wanting to know “who knew what, and when” about Nassar. She won a silver medal and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Games after dropping out of the team competition because of a mental health issue. Biles was testifying alongside former teammates Maroney, Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols, who is known as “Athlete A” in the Nassar case because she was the first elite gymnast to report the abuse to USA Gymnastics. That was in July 2015. The Lansing office of the FBI opened its official investigation into Nassar in October 2016.

Biles and teammates testify on FBI’s handling of abuse case

Elite US gymnast Simone Biles testified before the Senate about the abuse she suffered at the hands of the disgraced former team doctor, Larry Nassar.

Simone Biles testifies at senate hearing

Simone Biles said on Monday the mental health concerns that led to her dramatic withdrawal from several events at the Tokyo Olympics had begun before she even arrived in Japan.

The US gymnastics superstar caused a sensation at the Olympics last month after pulling out of the team final competition before later withdrawing from the individual all-around competition.

Biles, 24, regarded by many as the greatest gymnast of all time and who had been strongly tipped to win multiple gold medals in Japan, said she had withdrawn in order to prioritize her mental health.

In a video conversation with her mother released by sponsors Athleta on Monday, Biles said her problems had built up over time.

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"I wouldn't even say it started in Tokyo. I feel like it was probably a little bit deeper-rooted than that," Biles said.

"I think it was just the stress factor. It kind of built up over time, and my body and my mind just said no. But even I didn't know I was going through it until it just happened."

Biles was plagued by an attack of the "twisties" in Tokyo -- a potentially dangerous phenomenon that causes gymnasts to lose their sense of direction when in the air. She later returned to the Olympic arena to compete in the balance beam final, where she won a bronze.

Biles said while she was disappointed not to be able to deliver her usual gravity-defying form on the biggest stage of all -- she had no regrets about putting her health and safety first.

"It just sucks. Like, train five years, it doesn’t go the way you wanted," Biles said in the video. "But I know that I helped a lot of people and athletes speak out about mental health and saying no. Because I knew I couldn't go out there and compete. I knew I was going to get hurt."

Biles added she had been surprised by the broadly supportive reaction to her withdrawal from competition in Tokyo.

"I obviously was expecting to feel a lot of backlash and embarrassment," she said. "But it's the complete opposite. That's the first time I felt human. Besides Simone Biles, I was Simone, and people kind of respected that."

The Texan said she hopes now her case will encourage others to ask for help if they are concerned about their mental health.

"I know it's not easy, but it really is helpful," she said. "And I know most of the time you’re scared you might feel dumb. But as I have learned over the years, it's OK to ask for help."

Simone Biles said on Monday the mental health concerns that led to her dramatic withdrawal from several events at the Tokyo Olympics had begun before she even arrived in Japan.

Simone Biles said on Monday the mental health concerns that led to her dramatic withdrawal from several events at the Tokyo Olympics had begun before she even arrived in Japan. The US gymnastics superstar caused a sensation at the Olympics last month after pulling out of the team final competition before later withdrawing from the individual all-around competition. Biles, 24, regarded by many as the greatest gymnast of all time and who had been strongly tipped to win multiple gold medals in Japan, said she had withdrawn in order to prioritize her mental health. In a video conversation with her mother released by sponsors Athleta on Monday, Biles said her problems had built up over time. ALSO READ | Naomi Osaka the 'entertainer' kicks off US Open title defence with straight sets win "I wouldn't even say it started in Tokyo. I feel like it was probably a little bit deeper-rooted than that," Biles said. "I think it was just the stress factor. It kind of built up over time, and my body and my mind just said no. But even I didn't know I was going through it until it just happened." Biles was plagued by an attack of the "twisties" in Tokyo -- a potentially dangerous phenomenon that causes gymnasts to lose their sense of direction when in the air. She later returned to the Olympic arena to compete in the balance beam final, where she won a bronze. Biles said while she was disappointed not to be able to deliver her usual gravity-defying form on the biggest stage of all -- she had no regrets about putting her health and safety first. "It just sucks. Like, train five years, it doesn’t go the way you wanted," Biles said in the video. "But I know that I helped a lot of people and athletes speak out about mental health and saying no. Because I knew I couldn't go out there and compete. I knew I was going to get hurt." Biles added she had been surprised by the broadly supportive reaction to her withdrawal from competition in Tokyo. "I obviously was expecting to feel a lot of backlash and embarrassment," she said. "But it's the complete opposite. That's the first time I felt human. Besides Simone Biles, I was Simone, and people kind of respected that." The Texan said she hopes now her case will encourage others to ask for help if they are concerned about their mental health. "I know it's not easy, but it really is helpful," she said. "And I know most of the time you’re scared you might feel dumb. But as I have learned over the years, it's OK to ask for help."

Simone Biles says mental health problems began before Olympics

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From Virat Kohli to Simone Biles: Sports icons who battled with mental health issues

With Simone Biles returning to action the Olympic gymnastics competition is assured of a dramatic conclusion on Tuesday as the American bids to end what has been a tumultuous Tokyo Games on a golden high.

Not seen in competition since last Tuesday when she abruptly dropped out of the team event after one vault, citing mental health issues, Biles will get one last shot at Tokyo gold when she competes in the balance beam final.

The second-of-three events on the final night of action at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, all eyes are sure to be on Biles, who had looked set to return home to the United States with only a silver medal from the team event.

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The 24-year-old came to Tokyo eyeing a record haul of six gold and ascending the throne as the greatest female Olympian of all-time across any sport but instead suffered a crisis of confidence that led to her withdrawing from the all-around and vault, uneven bars and floor finals.

Biles, the winner of four gold medals at the 2016 Rio&nbsp;Olympics, explained later she was dealing with the "twisties" -- where gymnasts are disoriented during their gravity-defying sequences.

While Biles is the reigning three-time world champion on the beam and 2016 Rio bronze medallists it is not considered her best apparatus.

But it does represent the least risk when it comes to skills that might be impacted by "the twisties".

A number of difficult acrobatic skills have to be performed on the beam but fast-paced tumbling and aerial twisting manoeuvres are limited on the apparatus.

If Biles were on top of her game she would be the clear favourite, as she would have been on every apparatus in every event in Tokyo, but questions about her fitness and state of mind hang in the air leaving the competition wide open.

China young guns 16-year-old Guan Chenchen and 18-year-old Tang Xijing, the 2018 Youth&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;beam champion, are podium contenders as is another 16-year-old Vladislava Urazova, of the Russia Olympic Committee.

But the biggest threat Biles might face could come from within her own team with Sunisa Lee, who earlier snatched Biles's all-around crown, bidding for a fourth medal in her first&nbsp;Olympics.

With Simone Biles returning to action the Olympic gymnastics competition is assured of a dramatic conclusion on Tuesday as the American bids to end what has been a tumultuous Tokyo Games on a golden high.

With Simone Biles returning to action the Olympic gymnastics competition is assured of a dramatic conclusion on Tuesday as the American bids to end what has been a tumultuous Tokyo Games on a golden high. Not seen in competition since last Tuesday when she abruptly dropped out of the team event after one vault, citing mental health issues, Biles will get one last shot at Tokyo gold when she competes in the balance beam final. The second-of-three events on the final night of action at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, all eyes are sure to be on Biles, who had looked set to return home to the United States with only a silver medal from the team event. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: IOC to launch formal investigation into Krystsina Tsimanouskaya situation The 24-year-old came to Tokyo eyeing a record haul of six gold and ascending the throne as the greatest female Olympian of all-time across any sport but instead suffered a crisis of confidence that led to her withdrawing from the all-around and vault, uneven bars and floor finals. Biles, the winner of four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, explained later she was dealing with the "twisties" -- where gymnasts are disoriented during their gravity-defying sequences. While Biles is the reigning three-time world champion on the beam and 2016 Rio bronze medallists it is not considered her best apparatus. But it does represent the least risk when it comes to skills that might be impacted by "the twisties". A number of difficult acrobatic skills have to be performed on the beam but fast-paced tumbling and aerial twisting manoeuvres are limited on the apparatus. If Biles were on top of her game she would be the clear favourite, as she would have been on every apparatus in every event in Tokyo, but questions about her fitness and state of mind hang in the air leaving the competition wide open. China young guns 16-year-old Guan Chenchen and 18-year-old Tang Xijing, the 2018 Youth Olympics beam champion, are podium contenders as is another 16-year-old Vladislava Urazova, of the Russia Olympic Committee. But the biggest threat Biles might face could come from within her own team with Sunisa Lee, who earlier snatched Biles's all-around crown, bidding for a fourth medal in her first Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles return set to bring gymnastics to dramatic end

Simone Biles' nightmare Olympics concluded with the US gymnastics superstar returning in the beam final on Tuesday, declaring "I did it for me" after taking bronze behind Chinese teenager Guan Chenchen.

Simone Biles' nightmare Olympics concluded with the US gymnastics superstar returning in the beam final on Tuesday, declaring "I did it for me" after taking bronze behind Chinese teenager Guan Chenchen. It was Biles' first taste of competition in Tokyo since dramatically standing down during the women's team final last week, struggling with the "twisties", a condition meaning gymnasts lose the ability to orientate themselves in mid-air. "I was just happy to be able to perform regardless of the outcome. "I wasn't expecting to walk away with the medal, I was just doing this for me," said Biles, who revealed her aunt died two days ago. I did this for me and me only. I just went out there and had fun." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: When and where to watch India vs Argentina women's hockey semifinal match After also withdrawing from the first three apparatus finals in the uneven bars, vault and floor, she said she had only been cleared to compete in the beam on Monday night. "We almost missed the deadline!" she disclosed, adding: "Just to have one more opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games meant the world. "Training for five years and then coming here, and then kind of being triggered and not being able to do anything, it wasn't fun." ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: 'We will give everything again,' says 'Real Coach' of Indian women's hockey team ahead of semis Making history. Always. @Simone_Biles ties the record for the most Olympic medals won by a U.S. gymnast. #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/4lXZ6waUeQ — Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 3, 2021 × The four-time gold medallist from the Rio Games received a huge cheer from her US teammates when she entered the arena. With bib 392 on her back, she filed in with the other eight finalists, blowing a kiss to the cameras. Another cheer rang out when the stadium announcer said: "And now, representing the United States...Simone Biles." - 'Nervous' - She looked pensive on her comeback as she waited for her turn to climb up onto the 10cm wide beam for one of the most intensely scrutinised 90-second routines of her or anyone else's life. Among the audience for the 19-time world champion's heart-warming return to the field of battle at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre was Olympic chief Thomas Bach and two canine cardboard cutouts of her beloved French bulldogs -- Lilo and Rambo. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze Peeling off her Team USA red tracksuit, she practised her dance moves in her star-spangled banner leotard as she waited for her turn as the third to perform. At 6:11 pm local time (0911 GMT), it was her time. One long week on from her first shock withdrawal, the 24-year-old from Ohio was finally back at her day job. Wiping her brow, she approached the beam, chalked up, and finally got the wheels back on her derailed Olympic campaign. While avoiding any twists incorporated in her favoured and most difficult moves, she put in a solid performance, ending with a double backward somersault, double pike dismount. Her face breaking into a broad grin, she waved and hugged rivals and team officials, the relief of having performed clear on her face. Her routine earned the triple world champion on the apparatus 14.000 points. "I was a little bit nervous for the dismount just because we had to switch it and I probably haven't done a double pike dismount since I was 12 years old, so it was kind of hard to control that," said Biles. "But to go out there and compete one more time and have everybody's support meant the world." She was lying second behind Tang Xijing until 16-year-old Guan, the last of the eight finalists to go, put in a superb display to take gold with 14.633 points, relegating Biles to bronze, the same colour she won in Rio. Bach was one of the first to congratulate her on her comeback, as were 'Lilo' and 'Rambo' in their mute manner from the stands, after her Tokyo nightmare ended in smiles on the third rung of the beam podium. It was Biles' seventh Olympic medal, equalling Shannon Miller's record for an American gymnast. She had arrived as one of the faces of the pandemic-delayed Games, seeking five gold medals to equal the Olympic all-time gymnastics record of nine. But despite her hiatus she said she was proud of the decisions she had taken. "My mental and physical health is above all medals that I could ever win." Biles' presence inevitably overshadowed the other two finals on the closing night of artistic gymnastics with Japan's new men's star Daiki Hashimoto adding horizontal bar gold to his all-around title and team silver, and China's Zou Jingyuan winning parallel bars gold.

Tokyo 2020: Simone Biles takes beam bronze on Olympic return 

Simone Biles will compete in Tuesday's balance beam final, the last women's event on the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics schedule, officials confirmed on Monday.

"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!" USA Gymnastics said in a statement.

It will be the first time the American will be seen competing in Tokyo following her withdrawal from last Tuesday's women's team final after her opening vault, citing mental health issues.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/Simone_Biles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simone_Biles</a> will compete in Tuesday's women's balance beam final on the last day of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/artisticgymnastics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#artisticgymnastics</a> competition at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a><a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamUSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAGym</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a><a href="https://t.co/x3T9JoYIuc">https://t.co/x3T9JoYIuc</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1422114756262080514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The 24-year-old American, who won four golds at the 2016 Rio Games, dropped out of the all-around, floor exercise, vault and asymmetric bars finals.

Biles is the reigning world champion on the beam and picked up an Olympic bronze on the apparatus in Rio.

Biles has suffered a crisis of confidence in Tokyo as she dealt with the "twisties" -- where gymnasts are disoriented during their gravity-defying sequences.

"It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind &amp; body in sync," Biles explained in an Instagram story, in which she answered fan questions and shared practice videos.

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While a number of difficult acrobatic skills have to be performed on the beam, fast-paced tumbling and aerial twisting manoeuvres are limited on the apparatus, hence providing Biles with the opportunity to add to the team silver medal she picked up last week.

Despite not competing, Biles has been a constant presence at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre over the past week to support her U.S. team mates. Biles cheered on Sunisa Lee, who succeeded her as Olympic all-around champion, and Mykayla Skinner, who stepped in for her in women's vault final on Sunday and won silver.

Simone Biles will compete in Tuesday's balance beam final, the last women's event on the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics schedule, officials confirmed on Monday. "We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.

Simone Biles will compete in Tuesday's balance beam final, the last women's event on the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics schedule, officials confirmed on Monday. "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!" USA Gymnastics said in a statement. It will be the first time the American will be seen competing in Tokyo following her withdrawal from last Tuesday's women's team final after her opening vault, citing mental health issues. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Winning for my country was important, says Indian badminton star PV Sindhu on her Olympics bronze BREAKING: @Simone_Biles will compete in Tuesday's women's balance beam final on the last day of #artisticgymnastics competition at #Tokyo2020@TeamUSA @USAGym #StrongerTogetherhttps://t.co/x3T9JoYIuc — Olympics (@Olympics) August 2, 2021 × The 24-year-old American, who won four golds at the 2016 Rio Games, dropped out of the all-around, floor exercise, vault and asymmetric bars finals. Biles is the reigning world champion on the beam and picked up an Olympic bronze on the apparatus in Rio. Biles has suffered a crisis of confidence in Tokyo as she dealt with the "twisties" -- where gymnasts are disoriented during their gravity-defying sequences. "It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind & body in sync," Biles explained in an Instagram story, in which she answered fan questions and shared practice videos. ALSO READ | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list While a number of difficult acrobatic skills have to be performed on the beam, fast-paced tumbling and aerial twisting manoeuvres are limited on the apparatus, hence providing Biles with the opportunity to add to the team silver medal she picked up last week. Despite not competing, Biles has been a constant presence at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre over the past week to support her U.S. team mates. Biles cheered on Sunisa Lee, who succeeded her as Olympic all-around champion, and Mykayla Skinner, who stepped in for her in women's vault final on Sunday and won silver.

Tokyo Olympics gymnastics: Simone Biles to compete in balance beam final

Gymnastics great Simone&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;has withdrawn from the Olympic floor final, leaving the American with just one more chance of competition at the Tokyo Games, USA Gymnastics said Sunday.

"Simone has withdrawn from the event final for floor and will make a decision on beam later this week. Either way, we're all behind you, Simone," USAG tweeted.

Biles, the four-time Olympic champion widely considered to have pushed the sport to new limits, has said she is struggling with the "twisties", a condition where gymnasts lose the ability to orientate themselves in mid-air.

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The 24-year-old came to Tokyo seeking five gold medals to equal the Olympic all-time gymnastics career record of nine, but dramatically withdrew during her first event, the women's team competition.

Biles&nbsp;then skipped her all-around title defence and on Saturday it was announced she was dropping the vault and uneven bars.

She has documented her struggles with mental health during the Games in regular posts on her social media accounts.

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Gymnastics great Simone Biles has withdrawn from the Olympic floor final, leaving the American with just one more chance of competition at the Tokyo Games, USA Gymnastics said Sunday.

Gymnastics great Simone Biles has withdrawn from the Olympic floor final, leaving the American with just one more chance of competition at the Tokyo Games, USA Gymnastics said Sunday. "Simone has withdrawn from the event final for floor and will make a decision on beam later this week. Either way, we're all behind you, Simone," USAG tweeted. Biles, the four-time Olympic champion widely considered to have pushed the sport to new limits, has said she is struggling with the "twisties", a condition where gymnasts lose the ability to orientate themselves in mid-air. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic smashes racket during bronze medal match - watch The 24-year-old came to Tokyo seeking five gold medals to equal the Olympic all-time gymnastics career record of nine, but dramatically withdrew during her first event, the women's team competition. Biles then skipped her all-around title defence and on Saturday it was announced she was dropping the vault and uneven bars. She has documented her struggles with mental health during the Games in regular posts on her social media accounts. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: India's star badminton player PV Sindhu to face He Bingjiao in bronze medal match

Tokyo 2020- Simone Biles withdraws from another Olympic final: USA Gymnastics

American gymnast Simone Biles has withdrawn from event finals for vault and the uneven bars at the Tokyo Olympics, U.S. Gymnastics said on Saturday. 
 
Biles, who continues to wrestle with mental health issues, had earlier withdrawn from the women`s all-around final on Thursday and the team final on Tuesday after a poor mark on her opening vault. 
 
The 24-year-old, however, might yet make an appearance at the Tokyo Games having not ruled herself out for floor exercise on Monday and beam on Tuesday. 
 
"Today, after further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars," said USAG in a statement. "She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether to compete in the finals for floor exercise and balance beam."

American gymnast Simone Biles has withdrawn from event finals for vault and the uneven bars at the Tokyo Olympics, U.S. Gymnastics said on Saturday. Biles, who continues to wrestle with mental health issues, had earlier withdrawn from the women`s all-around final on Thursday and the team final on Tuesday after a poor mark on her opening vault.

American gymnast Simone Biles has withdrawn from event finals for vault and the uneven bars at the Tokyo Olympics, U.S. Gymnastics said on Saturday. Biles, who continues to wrestle with mental health issues, had earlier withdrawn from the women`s all-around final on Thursday and the team final on Tuesday after a poor mark on her opening vault. The 24-year-old, however, might yet make an appearance at the Tokyo Games having not ruled herself out for floor exercise on Monday and beam on Tuesday. "Today, after further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars," said USAG in a statement. "She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether to compete in the finals for floor exercise and balance beam."

Tokyo Olympics, Gymnastics: Simone Biles withdraws from event finals for vault and uneven bars

American gymnastics star Simone Biles revealed that she is still suffering from "twisties", the mental block that has sidelined her in Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

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The 24-year-old took to Instagram and posted a video of her landing on her back in training, on cushioned pads, and wrote that she was having problems "literally on every event, which sucks".

Many hoped that Biles would equal the all-time career record of nine medals after winning in five events, however, the star gymnast t withdrew during the women's team competition and also skipped her all-around title defence.

"This was not happening before I left the USA. It randomly started happening after prelims competition the very next morning," Biles posted.

"I seriously cannot comprehend how to twist. Strangest and weirdest feeling... It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind and body in sync," she added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-medal-is-only-one-that-is-gold-boxer-lovlina-borgohain-eyes-real-deal-at-olympics-401781" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: 'Medal is only one. That is gold': Boxer Lovlina Borgohain eyes real deal at Olympics</a>

Biles said previous bouts of twisties had taken two or more weeks to pass, but there was "honestly no telling (the) time frame".

"Something you have to take day by day, turn by turn," she wrote, warning: "But unfortunately in Olympic routines I do a ton of twists in each event."

She also hit back at critics, saying: "For anyone saying I quit. I didn't quit my mind and body are simply not in sync as you can see here.&nbsp;

"I don't think you realise how dangerous this is on hard/competition surface nor do I have to explain why I put health first. Physical health is mental health."

American gymnastics star Simone Biles revealed that she is still suffering from "twisties", the mental block that has sidelined her in Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: 'How can a terrorist win gold at the Tokyo Olympics': Korean slams IOC over Iranian shooter The 24-year-old took to Instagram and posted a video of her landing on her back in training, on cushioned pads, and wrote that she was having problems "literally on every event, which sucks".

American gymnastics star Simone Biles revealed that she is still suffering from "twisties", the mental block that has sidelined her in Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: 'How can a terrorist win gold at the Tokyo Olympics': Korean slams IOC over Iranian shooter The 24-year-old took to Instagram and posted a video of her landing on her back in training, on cushioned pads, and wrote that she was having problems "literally on every event, which sucks". Many hoped that Biles would equal the all-time career record of nine medals after winning in five events, however, the star gymnast t withdrew during the women's team competition and also skipped her all-around title defence. "This was not happening before I left the USA. It randomly started happening after prelims competition the very next morning," Biles posted. "I seriously cannot comprehend how to twist. Strangest and weirdest feeling... It's honestly petrifying trying to do a skill but not having your mind and body in sync," she added. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: 'Medal is only one. That is gold': Boxer Lovlina Borgohain eyes real deal at Olympics Biles said previous bouts of twisties had taken two or more weeks to pass, but there was "honestly no telling (the) time frame". "Something you have to take day by day, turn by turn," she wrote, warning: "But unfortunately in Olympic routines I do a ton of twists in each event." She also hit back at critics, saying: "For anyone saying I quit. I didn't quit my mind and body are simply not in sync as you can see here. "I don't think you realise how dangerous this is on hard/competition surface nor do I have to explain why I put health first. Physical health is mental health."

Tokyo Olympics: Star gymnast Simone Biles still struggling with 'twisties'

Sunisa Lee claimed the coveted all-around gold medal many expected to see go to her United States teammate Simone Biles on Thursday, as the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;gymnastics competition moved on without its biggest star.

With Biles watching from the front row at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Lee clinched gold in the all-around to secure the title for the United States for a fifth consecutive Games on the final rotation - the floor exercise - to post a winning total of 57.433.

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Surprise package 22-year-old Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, who had topped the rankings most of the evening, grabbed the silver for her country's first-ever medal in women's gymnastics.

Russian Angelina Melnikova completed the podium taking the bronze for the ROC.

Considered heir apparent to Biles, 18-year-old Lee had her moment arrive sooner than expected.

Simone Biles, the winner of every all-around competition she entered since 2013, threw the fight for the Olympic gold wide open when she decided not to defend her Rio Games all-around title having dropped out of the team event on Tuesday after one poor vault citing the need to focus on her mental health.

Biles had already dropped out of the team event on Tuesday after one poor vault, citing the need to focus on her mental health.

It all added up to another thriller at the Ariake arena that has seen almost every medal decided by the final athlete in the final rotation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-german-cycling-sports-director-sent-home-after-racist-remarks-401472" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: German cycling sports director sent home after racist remarks</a>

As the gymnasts marched over to the floor only 0.201 separated the top three of Lee, Andrade and 16-year-old Russian Vladislava Urazova, leaving everything to play for.

Lee, the youngest member of the U.S. team, put down a marker in the floor exercise with a score of 13.700 but she had left the door open a crack for Andrade to snatch the gold.

But the Brazilian, who had looked so poised, finally cracked by stepping out on her first tumbling run and then did so a second time, scoring 13.666, with the mistakes likely costing her the gold.

As the scores flashed on the scoreboard to confirm Lee's win her U.S. team mates sitting in the stands leapt and cheered.

Sunisa Lee claimed the coveted all-around gold medal many expected to see go to her United States teammate Simone Biles on Thursday, as the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics competition moved on without its biggest star.

Sunisa Lee claimed the coveted all-around gold medal many expected to see go to her United States teammate Simone Biles on Thursday, as the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics competition moved on without its biggest star. With Biles watching from the front row at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Lee clinched gold in the all-around to secure the title for the United States for a fifth consecutive Games on the final rotation - the floor exercise - to post a winning total of 57.433. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: German cycling sports director sent home after racist remarks Surprise package 22-year-old Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, who had topped the rankings most of the evening, grabbed the silver for her country's first-ever medal in women's gymnastics. Russian Angelina Melnikova completed the podium taking the bronze for the ROC. Considered heir apparent to Biles, 18-year-old Lee had her moment arrive sooner than expected. Simone Biles, the winner of every all-around competition she entered since 2013, threw the fight for the Olympic gold wide open when she decided not to defend her Rio Games all-around title having dropped out of the team event on Tuesday after one poor vault citing the need to focus on her mental health. Biles had already dropped out of the team event on Tuesday after one poor vault, citing the need to focus on her mental health. It all added up to another thriller at the Ariake arena that has seen almost every medal decided by the final athlete in the final rotation. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: German cycling sports director sent home after racist remarks As the gymnasts marched over to the floor only 0.201 separated the top three of Lee, Andrade and 16-year-old Russian Vladislava Urazova, leaving everything to play for. Lee, the youngest member of the U.S. team, put down a marker in the floor exercise with a score of 13.700 but she had left the door open a crack for Andrade to snatch the gold. But the Brazilian, who had looked so poised, finally cracked by stepping out on her first tumbling run and then did so a second time, scoring 13.666, with the mistakes likely costing her the gold. As the scores flashed on the scoreboard to confirm Lee's win her U.S. team mates sitting in the stands leapt and cheered.

Tokyo Olympics: Sunisa Lee grabs all-around gold for US as Simone Biles watches on

Justin Bieber is proud of Olympic medalist <a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/tokyo-olympics-athletes-support-for-simone-biles-reflects-growing-awareness-of-mental-health-401178">Simone Biles</a> after her&nbsp;decision to withdraw from the gymnastics finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 
 
Simone Biles cited mental health as the core reason for her stepping down from the tournament. Speaking on his&nbsp;support for the sports star, Justin Bieber took his Instagram and shared how he was previously called “crazy” for not finishing a tour but it was the best thing he could have done for his mental health.&nbsp;

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CR4b2HrHBrT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)</a>
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Posting a picture&nbsp;of Biles, the 'Baby' singer wrote, “Nobody will ever understand the pressures you face!” Bieber captioned a photo of Biles. “I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw. It’s as simple as, ‘What does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul?'” 
 
“Sometimes our ‘NOs’ are more powerful than our ‘YESes.’ When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why,” he continued.&nbsp; 
 
In the last, he shared his tour ending experience and wrote, “People thought I was crazy for not finishing the purpose tour but it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health!” he wrote. “So proud of you.” 
 
Earlier this week, the 24-year-old American athlete shocked the world by pulling out of the team citing the need to protect her mental health.&nbsp; 
 
"We also have to focus on ourselves because at the end of the day, we`re human too,'' she told reporters&nbsp;

Justin Bieber is proud of Olympic medalist Simone Biles after her decision to withdraw from the gymnastics finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Simone Biles cited mental health as the core reason for her stepping down from the tournament.

Justin Bieber is proud of Olympic medalist Simone Biles after her decision to withdraw from the gymnastics finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Simone Biles cited mental health as the core reason for her stepping down from the tournament. Speaking on his support for the sports star, Justin Bieber took his Instagram and shared how he was previously called “crazy” for not finishing a tour but it was the best thing he could have done for his mental health. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) × Posting a picture of Biles, the 'Baby' singer wrote, “Nobody will ever understand the pressures you face!” Bieber captioned a photo of Biles. “I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw. It’s as simple as, ‘What does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul?'” “Sometimes our ‘NOs’ are more powerful than our ‘YESes.’ When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why,” he continued. In the last, he shared his tour ending experience and wrote, “People thought I was crazy for not finishing the purpose tour but it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health!” he wrote. “So proud of you.” Earlier this week, the 24-year-old American athlete shocked the world by pulling out of the team citing the need to protect her mental health. "We also have to focus on ourselves because at the end of the day, we`re human too,'' she told reporters

Justin Bieber is proud of gymnast Simone Biles amid Tokyo Olympics withdrawal

The World's top gymnast Simone Biles has withdrawn from her individual Olympic event to focus on mental health. Tennis No. 2 Naomi Osaka has spoken about the pressure of the Olympics after crashing out of the games. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why these women have done society a great service.

Gravitas: Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka put mental health on Olympic podium

Gymnast Simone Biles was flooded with messages of support from fellow athletes after she pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Games citing mental health, a sign of how awareness of emotional well-being has dramatically shifted in recent years. 
 
The 24-year-old American superstar shocked the sporting world by pulling out of the team all-around competition on Tuesday citing the need to protect her mental health. A day later, she withdrew from the individual all-around event. 
 
"We also have to focus on ourselves because at the end of the day, we`re human too," she told reporters after her team mates surrendered gold and their title to Russian gymnasts. 
 
"We have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do." 
 
She drew wide support from team mates, fellow Olympians and retired athletes, in a clear sign of how public discussion of issues such as stress and depression have become accepted on social media and more frequent in recent years, particularly since the pandemic. 
 
"It broke my heart," U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps told broadcaster NBC. "But also, if you look at it, mental health over the last 18 months, is something that people are talking about." 
 
Phelps, the greatest swimmer in history and the winner of 23 Olympic gold medals, has publicly discussed his own battle with depression, including contemplating suicide. 
 
U.S. swimmer Erica Sullivan, who won the silver medal for the 1500m freestyle, also opened up about her own struggles in a news conference. 
 
"I`m not facing a fraction of the pressure that Simone is, but there was a time in 2018 when I started getting psychological help for my issues, and there was a time when it was so bad that my coach told me I can`t keep racing like this and I will not be racing until I get better," she said. 
 
CHANGING ATTITUDES 
 
Biles`s team mates also lauded her, with Sunisa Lee posting on Instagram: "Proud of you &amp; everything you`ve accomplished! Thank you for being a role model and someone I look up to every single day." 
 
The empathy was in sharp contrast to what Australian rower Sally Robbins faced in Athens in 2004 when she was overcome by anxiety and quit in the Olympic final. Robbins, dubbed "Lay-Down Sally" by one newspaper, was vilified by her crew mates, one of whom slapped her at an Olympic function. 
 
Robbins later said that she had pushed herself beyond her physical capabilities to please others. 
 
Gold medallist U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky said she too felt immense pressure. "I would never want to speak for Simone or say that I know what she`s feeling because none of us do, but I understand that we`re at the highest level, we have the most eyes on us, on anyone in the world right now," she told a news conference following her gold for the 1500m freestyle. 
 
"I`ve gotten to know Simone over the years and we`re in touch every now and then, and you know I hope she knows that I really support her and hope she does really well but this week." 
 
Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics and a double Olympic champion, said he recognised the "profound challenges facing athletes" in trying to find the balance between the intensity of training and competition and maintaining their mental equilibrium. 
 
Those difficulties were heightened by the pandemic for athletes, given the difficulties in training under lockdown, he told reporters, especially as athletes weren`t able to have their families or personal coaches on site for support. 
 
"The advice I would give is to reach out, to colleagues and friends," Coe said. "Don`t be afraid to show vulnerability, it`s a badge of honour in a way to want that help."

Gymnast Simone Biles was flooded with messages of support from fellow athletes after she pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Games citing mental health, a sign of how awareness of emotional well-being has dramatically shifted in recent years.

Gymnast Simone Biles was flooded with messages of support from fellow athletes after she pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Games citing mental health, a sign of how awareness of emotional well-being has dramatically shifted in recent years. The 24-year-old American superstar shocked the sporting world by pulling out of the team all-around competition on Tuesday citing the need to protect her mental health. A day later, she withdrew from the individual all-around event. "We also have to focus on ourselves because at the end of the day, we`re human too," she told reporters after her team mates surrendered gold and their title to Russian gymnasts. "We have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do." She drew wide support from team mates, fellow Olympians and retired athletes, in a clear sign of how public discussion of issues such as stress and depression have become accepted on social media and more frequent in recent years, particularly since the pandemic. "It broke my heart," U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps told broadcaster NBC. "But also, if you look at it, mental health over the last 18 months, is something that people are talking about." Phelps, the greatest swimmer in history and the winner of 23 Olympic gold medals, has publicly discussed his own battle with depression, including contemplating suicide. U.S. swimmer Erica Sullivan, who won the silver medal for the 1500m freestyle, also opened up about her own struggles in a news conference. "I`m not facing a fraction of the pressure that Simone is, but there was a time in 2018 when I started getting psychological help for my issues, and there was a time when it was so bad that my coach told me I can`t keep racing like this and I will not be racing until I get better," she said. CHANGING ATTITUDES Biles`s team mates also lauded her, with Sunisa Lee posting on Instagram: "Proud of you & everything you`ve accomplished! Thank you for being a role model and someone I look up to every single day." The empathy was in sharp contrast to what Australian rower Sally Robbins faced in Athens in 2004 when she was overcome by anxiety and quit in the Olympic final. Robbins, dubbed "Lay-Down Sally" by one newspaper, was vilified by her crew mates, one of whom slapped her at an Olympic function. Robbins later said that she had pushed herself beyond her physical capabilities to please others. Gold medallist U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky said she too felt immense pressure. "I would never want to speak for Simone or say that I know what she`s feeling because none of us do, but I understand that we`re at the highest level, we have the most eyes on us, on anyone in the world right now," she told a news conference following her gold for the 1500m freestyle. "I`ve gotten to know Simone over the years and we`re in touch every now and then, and you know I hope she knows that I really support her and hope she does really well but this week." Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics and a double Olympic champion, said he recognised the "profound challenges facing athletes" in trying to find the balance between the intensity of training and competition and maintaining their mental equilibrium. Those difficulties were heightened by the pandemic for athletes, given the difficulties in training under lockdown, he told reporters, especially as athletes weren`t able to have their families or personal coaches on site for support. "The advice I would give is to reach out, to colleagues and friends," Coe said. "Don`t be afraid to show vulnerability, it`s a badge of honour in a way to want that help."

Tokyo Olympics: Athletes' support for Simone Biles reflects growing awareness of mental health

Isolation and the absence of family and friends have taken a toll on athletes` mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, with some struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic while carrying their country`s hopes on the global sports stage.

After her stunning exit from the women`s gymnastics team event on Tuesday, Simon Biles said she felt she had been carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. That burden seems to have been exacerbated by a year a grief, loss and restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-athletes-support-for-simone-biles-reflects-growing-awareness-of-mental-health-401178" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Athletes support for Simone Biles reflects growing awareness of mental health</a> 
 
"Usually you hang out in the village, all that stuff," Biles said. "It does suck when you feel the weight of the world. There are no outlets with the amount of training that we do." 
 
Athletes have seen their pre-Olympic training disrupted by lockdowns and restricted access to athletic facilities, and the postponement of the Games fuelled concern about qualification schedules and the ability to travel internationally without contracting the virus. 
 
Their families and friends can`t cheer for them in the stands in Tokyo and their movements are heavily restricted. 
 
The pandemic prompted the U.S. women`s gymnastics team to steer clear of the bustle of the athletes village and stay at a nearby hotel for security reasons, something that takes the shine off an Olympic experience. 
 
"Not saying that we don`t have a great set up," Biles said. "We chose that to be COVID safe, the protocols and everything." 
 
Biles said she had been able to keep in touch with family by Facetime and text messages, giving her "all the support that I absolutely needed." 
 
"We have tons of resources available to us," Biles added. "But I wanted to tough it out to the last minute, but obviously it didn`t work that way." 
 
U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky, who also came into the Games with high expectations, said she understood the pressure Biles felt as an Olympian of her stature. She said their compatriots should be more concerned about what is happening in the world than whether she wins an Olympic title. 
 
"Being Olympians it`s something that we all have to watch out for each other and help each other through and in times of need," Ledecky said after winning gold in the first 1,500 metres swimming event for women ever staged at the Olympics. 
 
`A DIFFICULT ROAD` 
 
Even prior to arriving in Tokyo, athletes were facing new and unfamiliar pressures linked to the pandemic. They had to find ways to train during lockdowns and qualify for the world`s biggest sporting event without compromising their health or that of their families and communities. 
 
"It has been a difficult road since 2019," said gymnast Angelina Melnikova of the Russian Olympic Committee, who beat the United States to win gold in the women`s team event. 
 
"When we found out that the Games had been postponed because of the pandemic, our training base was closed. We were in quarantine for a year and a half and trained all that time." 
 
Other athletes contracted COVID-19 on their way to Tokyo, at the Games themselves or in the early stages of the pandemic, threatening to derail their years of gruelling work toward the Olympics. 
 
British swimmer Tom Dean contracted COVID-19 twice in the run-up to Tokyo, forcing him to spend days in isolation and put his training on hold. The 21-year-old nonetheless won the men`s 200m freestyle gold on Tuesday to help Britain to its best ever start to an Olympic Games. 
 
"I contracted COVID twice in the last 12 months," Dean said. "Sitting in my flat in isolation, an Olympic gold was a million miles away." 
 
Other Olympians who contracted COVID-19 weren`t so lucky. 
 
South Korean sabre fencer Oh Sanguk, who was hospitalised for a month with the virus, faded in his quarter-final against Georgian Sandro Bazadze, eventually losing 15-13. 
 
"I feel like my physical strength has weakened, but every time I think about that, I feel my confidence slipping," Oh told Reuters ahead of his quarter-final on Saturday. 
 
Like countless of people across the globe, Olympians have also lost loved ones to the virus. Biles` team mate Sunisa Lee, who won three medals at the 2019 world championships, lost both her aunt and uncle to the pandemic as she was preparing for Tokyo. 
 
"On a podium, people see athletes, others see machines that are running and have to be position one," said Bernard Ouma, who coaches Kenyan runner Timothy Cheruiyot, the 1,500 metre world champion. 
 
"At the back of my mind as a coach, I see a human being with social challenges as well.

Isolation and the absence of family and friends have taken a toll on athletes` mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, with some struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic while carrying their country`s hopes on the global sports stage.

Isolation and the absence of family and friends have taken a toll on athletes` mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, with some struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic while carrying their country`s hopes on the global sports stage. After her stunning exit from the women`s gymnastics team event on Tuesday, Simon Biles said she felt she had been carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. That burden seems to have been exacerbated by a year a grief, loss and restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Athletes support for Simone Biles reflects growing awareness of mental health "Usually you hang out in the village, all that stuff," Biles said. "It does suck when you feel the weight of the world. There are no outlets with the amount of training that we do." Athletes have seen their pre-Olympic training disrupted by lockdowns and restricted access to athletic facilities, and the postponement of the Games fuelled concern about qualification schedules and the ability to travel internationally without contracting the virus. Their families and friends can`t cheer for them in the stands in Tokyo and their movements are heavily restricted. The pandemic prompted the U.S. women`s gymnastics team to steer clear of the bustle of the athletes village and stay at a nearby hotel for security reasons, something that takes the shine off an Olympic experience. "Not saying that we don`t have a great set up," Biles said. "We chose that to be COVID safe, the protocols and everything." Biles said she had been able to keep in touch with family by Facetime and text messages, giving her "all the support that I absolutely needed." "We have tons of resources available to us," Biles added. "But I wanted to tough it out to the last minute, but obviously it didn`t work that way." U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky, who also came into the Games with high expectations, said she understood the pressure Biles felt as an Olympian of her stature. She said their compatriots should be more concerned about what is happening in the world than whether she wins an Olympic title. "Being Olympians it`s something that we all have to watch out for each other and help each other through and in times of need," Ledecky said after winning gold in the first 1,500 metres swimming event for women ever staged at the Olympics. `A DIFFICULT ROAD` Even prior to arriving in Tokyo, athletes were facing new and unfamiliar pressures linked to the pandemic. They had to find ways to train during lockdowns and qualify for the world`s biggest sporting event without compromising their health or that of their families and communities. "It has been a difficult road since 2019," said gymnast Angelina Melnikova of the Russian Olympic Committee, who beat the United States to win gold in the women`s team event. "When we found out that the Games had been postponed because of the pandemic, our training base was closed. We were in quarantine for a year and a half and trained all that time." Other athletes contracted COVID-19 on their way to Tokyo, at the Games themselves or in the early stages of the pandemic, threatening to derail their years of gruelling work toward the Olympics. British swimmer Tom Dean contracted COVID-19 twice in the run-up to Tokyo, forcing him to spend days in isolation and put his training on hold. The 21-year-old nonetheless won the men`s 200m freestyle gold on Tuesday to help Britain to its best ever start to an Olympic Games. "I contracted COVID twice in the last 12 months," Dean said. "Sitting in my flat in isolation, an Olympic gold was a million miles away." Other Olympians who contracted COVID-19 weren`t so lucky. South Korean sabre fencer Oh Sanguk, who was hospitalised for a month with the virus, faded in his quarter-final against Georgian Sandro Bazadze, eventually losing 15-13. "I feel like my physical strength has weakened, but every time I think about that, I feel my confidence slipping," Oh told Reuters ahead of his quarter-final on Saturday. Like countless of people across the globe, Olympians have also lost loved ones to the virus. Biles` team mate Sunisa Lee, who won three medals at the 2019 world championships, lost both her aunt and uncle to the pandemic as she was preparing for Tokyo. "On a podium, people see athletes, others see machines that are running and have to be position one," said Bernard Ouma, who coaches Kenyan runner Timothy Cheruiyot, the 1,500 metre world champion. "At the back of my mind as a coach, I see a human being with social challenges as well.

Olympics: Pandemic takes toll on athletes' mental health at Tokyo Games

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of a second event at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;on Wednesday, withdrawing from the individual all-around competition to focus on her mental health.

Less than 24 hours after she had sent shockwaves around the world by dropping out of the team event, the American said she would not take part in Thursday's final, USA Gymnastics said.

Jade Carey will take her place in Thursday's all-around event.

USA Gymnastics said they "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," it said.

The governing body for the sport in the U.S. said Biles would be evaluated daily to see if she can take part in individual apparatus competitions still to come at the Tokyo Games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-16-more-cases-of-covid-19-emerge-taking-the-total-number-to-169-401091" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: 16 more cases of COVID-19 emerge taking the total number to 169</a>

Biles has spoken with astonishing candour about the pressure she is under here.

"There is more to life than just gymnastics," Biles said on Tuesday night after pulling out of the team event.

"I know that this Olympic Games I want it to be for myself," she said, tearing up.

"I came in and it felt like I was still doing it for other people so that just hurts my heart that doing what I love has been kind of taken away from me to please other people.

"We also have to focus on ourselves because, at the end of the day, we're human too. We have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-swimming-more-golds-for-titmus-and-ohashi-british-men-win-relay-401084" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics, Swimming: More golds for Titmus and Ohashi, British men win relay</a>

On Tuesday Biles picked up her sixth Olympic medal for being part of the U.S. squad that went on to place second behind Russia.

International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams had said earlier on Wednesday the IOC has "huge respect and support" for Biles.

Adams said mental health remained a big issue and that it was a matter the organization had been working on for some time.

IOC President Thomas Bach was seen in deep conversation with Biles on the floor of the Ariake Gymnastics Centre on Tuesday before awarding medals.

Biles had been scheduled to appear in all six gymnastics event finals and a sweep of the gold medals would have given her 10, making her the most accomplished woman Olympian in any sport.

&nbsp;

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of a second event at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday, withdrawing from the individual all-around competition to focus on her mental health.

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of a second event at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday, withdrawing from the individual all-around competition to focus on her mental health. Less than 24 hours after she had sent shockwaves around the world by dropping out of the team event, the American said she would not take part in Thursday's final, USA Gymnastics said. Jade Carey will take her place in Thursday's all-around event. USA Gymnastics said they "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," it said. The governing body for the sport in the U.S. said Biles would be evaluated daily to see if she can take part in individual apparatus competitions still to come at the Tokyo Games. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: 16 more cases of COVID-19 emerge taking the total number to 169 Biles has spoken with astonishing candour about the pressure she is under here. "There is more to life than just gymnastics," Biles said on Tuesday night after pulling out of the team event. "I know that this Olympic Games I want it to be for myself," she said, tearing up. "I came in and it felt like I was still doing it for other people so that just hurts my heart that doing what I love has been kind of taken away from me to please other people. "We also have to focus on ourselves because, at the end of the day, we're human too. We have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics, Swimming: More golds for Titmus and Ohashi, British men win relay On Tuesday Biles picked up her sixth Olympic medal for being part of the U.S. squad that went on to place second behind Russia. International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams had said earlier on Wednesday the IOC has "huge respect and support" for Biles. Adams said mental health remained a big issue and that it was a matter the organization had been working on for some time. IOC President Thomas Bach was seen in deep conversation with Biles on the floor of the Ariake Gymnastics Centre on Tuesday before awarding medals. Biles had been scheduled to appear in all six gymnastics event finals and a sweep of the gold medals would have given her 10, making her the most accomplished woman Olympian in any sport.

Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles pulls out of individual all-around competition to focus on mental health

After sensationally pulling out of the women's team final at the Olympics, US gymnast <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-simone-biles-withdraws-from-womens-gymnastics-team-all-around-final-400973">Simone Biles</a>, 24, said she needed to focus on her mental health.

"I just think mental health is more prevalent now in sports and it's not just like we have to set everything aside, we also have to focus on ourselves," the four-time Olympic gold medallist said.

Biles scored 13.766 which was her lowest Olympic score as she mistimed her opening vault.&nbsp;

She was led away as onlookers looked stunned at her sudden disappearance. USA Gymnastics said she had pulled out over unspecified medical issues, however, Biles confirmed she had to tackle mental health in order to emerge stronger.

"At the end of the day, we're human too so we have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do," the champion gymnast said.

Biles began crying after the stunning disappointment flanked by teammates,&nbsp;she said: "I just don't trust myself as much as I used to. I feel like I am also not having as much fun. That just hurts my heart that doing what I love has been taken."

Russian Olympic Committee took advantage of the confusion in the US camp to claim the gold medal as the United States won silver and Britain took bronze.

It is unclear whether Biles who is the world and Olympic all-around champion will take further part in the mega event&nbsp;as USA Gymnastics said: "She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."

The day ended in shock as Japan's tennis sensation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-my-attitude-wasnt-great-says-japans-tennis-star-naomi-osaka-after-shock-exit-400938">Naomi Osaka</a> lost to Marketa Vondrousova just days after she lit the Olympic cauldron at the grand opening ceremony as the host country hoped she would win the gold, but the tennis star declared that her "attitude wasn't great".

Osaka had skipped Wimbledon last month to spend more time with her friends and family ahead of the Olympics.

She&nbsp;had withdrawn from French Open amid a row over press conferences after she was fined $15,000 by the organizers. She later said mental health issues needed to be addressed while declaring that she suffered “long bouts of depression” since the 2018 US Open final.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

After sensationally pulling out of the women's team final at the Olympics, US gymnast Simone Biles, 24, said she needed to focus on her mental health. "I just think mental health is more prevalent now in sports and it's not just like we have to set everything aside, we also have to focus on ourselves," the four-time Olympic gold medallist said.

After sensationally pulling out of the women's team final at the Olympics, US gymnast Simone Biles, 24, said she needed to focus on her mental health. "I just think mental health is more prevalent now in sports and it's not just like we have to set everything aside, we also have to focus on ourselves," the four-time Olympic gold medallist said. Biles scored 13.766 which was her lowest Olympic score as she mistimed her opening vault. She was led away as onlookers looked stunned at her sudden disappearance. USA Gymnastics said she had pulled out over unspecified medical issues, however, Biles confirmed she had to tackle mental health in order to emerge stronger. "At the end of the day, we're human too so we have to protect our mind and our body rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do," the champion gymnast said. Biles began crying after the stunning disappointment flanked by teammates, she said: "I just don't trust myself as much as I used to. I feel like I am also not having as much fun. That just hurts my heart that doing what I love has been taken." Russian Olympic Committee took advantage of the confusion in the US camp to claim the gold medal as the United States won silver and Britain took bronze. It is unclear whether Biles who is the world and Olympic all-around champion will take further part in the mega event as USA Gymnastics said: "She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions." The day ended in shock as Japan's tennis sensation Naomi Osaka lost to Marketa Vondrousova just days after she lit the Olympic cauldron at the grand opening ceremony as the host country hoped she would win the gold, but the tennis star declared that her "attitude wasn't great". Osaka had skipped Wimbledon last month to spend more time with her friends and family ahead of the Olympics. She had withdrawn from French Open amid a row over press conferences after she was fined $15,000 by the organizers. She later said mental health issues needed to be addressed while declaring that she suffered “long bouts of depression” since the 2018 US Open final. (With inputs from Agencies)

Olympics: We are human too, mental health more prevalent now, says US gymnast Simone Biles after pulling out

Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles said "mental health" concerns had led to her withdrawal from the women's team final at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday.

"I have to do what's right for me and focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and my wellbeing," the 24-year-old American said after her team were beaten by the Russian quartet in her absence.

Simone Biles exited the final at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre after a lackluster opening vault and walked off the competition floor before returning a short time later.

The US team immediately withdrew her from the rest of the final.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-russia-olympic-committee-wins-womens-team-gold-in-artistic-gymnastics-400986" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Russia Olympic Committee wins women's team gold in artistic Gymnastics</a>

After she joined her teammates to collect their silver medals, four-time Olympic champion Biles confirmed she had not been injured.

She said: "I just don't trust myself as much as I used to, and I don't know if it's age. I'm a little bit more nervous when I do gymnastics.

"I feel like I'm also not having as much fun, and I know that this Olympic Games, I wanted it to be for myself," she said, as she began to cry.

"It just sucks that it happens here at the Olympics Games… with the year that it's been, I'm really not surprised the way it played out."

Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles said "mental health" concerns had led to her withdrawal from the women's team final at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. "I have to do what's right for me and focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and my wellbeing," the 24-year-old American said after her team were beaten by the Russian quartet in her absence.

Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles said "mental health" concerns had led to her withdrawal from the women's team final at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. "I have to do what's right for me and focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and my wellbeing," the 24-year-old American said after her team were beaten by the Russian quartet in her absence. Simone Biles exited the final at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre after a lackluster opening vault and walked off the competition floor before returning a short time later. The US team immediately withdrew her from the rest of the final. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Russia Olympic Committee wins women's team gold in artistic Gymnastics After she joined her teammates to collect their silver medals, four-time Olympic champion Biles confirmed she had not been injured. She said: "I just don't trust myself as much as I used to, and I don't know if it's age. I'm a little bit more nervous when I do gymnastics. "I feel like I'm also not having as much fun, and I know that this Olympic Games, I wanted it to be for myself," she said, as she began to cry. "It just sucks that it happens here at the Olympics Games… with the year that it's been, I'm really not surprised the way it played out."

Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles says 'mental health' concerns led to gymnastics team all-around final

It didn't go as expected&nbsp;as US champion Simone Biles withdrew from the competition after her first event, however, Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum, and Jordan Chiles competed for their third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the group competition.&nbsp;

Simone Biles, the best gymnast, withdrew from the Olympic final with a "medical issue" after only one event. She displayed a poor vault that saw her bailout and got a 13.766 mark for her endeavours prior to leaving the floor. She got back to the floor however was out very quickly.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-simone-biles-withdraws-from-womens-gymnastics-team-all-around-final-400973" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles withdraws from women's gymnastics team all-around final</a>

While Team USA went into the final as the gold-medal top choice, the meet ended up being a nail-biter without&nbsp;Simone Biles.&nbsp;

After falling behind on the vault and the bars, Team USA made a solid rebound push on the equilibrium pillar with&nbsp;an extraordinary effort from its three leftover gymnasts — Grace McCallum, Jordan Chiles, and Suni Lee.&nbsp;

They figured out how to sneak past the Russian Olympic Committee to momentarily hold a 0.1-point lead in the third rotation, at the end of the day, they tumbled off in the last rotation on the floor.&nbsp;

Angelina&nbsp;Melnikova scored 13.966 and the ROC have won the women's team all-around by a 3.432-point edge, bringing an end to United States' 11-year dominance. That was an 11.641-point swing from five years prior when the US won the gold fleeing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-tokyo-battles-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-as-tropical-storm-nepartak-barrels-towards-japan-400966" hreflang="en">Olympics: Tokyo battles surge in coronavirus cases as tropical storm Nepartak barrels towards Japan</a>

Great Britain arrived at the podium interestingly since 1928, the first run through women's contended in gymnastics at the Olympics. They turned into the first country other than the United States, Romania, China or the Soviet Union, Russia to arrive at the podium in this event since East Germany at Seoul 1988.

All things considered, the ROC featured by Angelina Melnikova, Viktoriia Listunova, and Vladislava Urazova procured its first gold medal&nbsp;since 1988, when the nation had taken part in the summer games as the Soviet Union.

It didn't go as expected as US champion Simone Biles withdrew from the competition after her first event, however, Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum, and Jordan Chiles competed for their third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the group competition.

It didn't go as expected as US champion Simone Biles withdrew from the competition after her first event, however, Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum, and Jordan Chiles competed for their third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the group competition. Simone Biles, the best gymnast, withdrew from the Olympic final with a "medical issue" after only one event. She displayed a poor vault that saw her bailout and got a 13.766 mark for her endeavours prior to leaving the floor. She got back to the floor however was out very quickly. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles withdraws from women's gymnastics team all-around final While Team USA went into the final as the gold-medal top choice, the meet ended up being a nail-biter without Simone Biles. After falling behind on the vault and the bars, Team USA made a solid rebound push on the equilibrium pillar with an extraordinary effort from its three leftover gymnasts — Grace McCallum, Jordan Chiles, and Suni Lee. They figured out how to sneak past the Russian Olympic Committee to momentarily hold a 0.1-point lead in the third rotation, at the end of the day, they tumbled off in the last rotation on the floor. Angelina Melnikova scored 13.966 and the ROC have won the women's team all-around by a 3.432-point edge, bringing an end to United States' 11-year dominance. That was an 11.641-point swing from five years prior when the US won the gold fleeing. ALSO READ: Olympics: Tokyo battles surge in coronavirus cases as tropical storm Nepartak barrels towards Japan Great Britain arrived at the podium interestingly since 1928, the first run through women's contended in gymnastics at the Olympics. They turned into the first country other than the United States, Romania, China or the Soviet Union, Russia to arrive at the podium in this event since East Germany at Seoul 1988. All things considered, the ROC featured by Angelina Melnikova, Viktoriia Listunova, and Vladislava Urazova procured its first gold medal since 1988, when the nation had taken part in the summer games as the Soviet Union.

Tokyo Olympics: Russia Olympic Committee wins women's team gold in artistic Gymnastics

US gymnastics star Simone Biles has&nbsp;pulled out from the&nbsp;women's team gymnastic final event at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 27 (Tuesday). The best gymnastic specialist in the world was eying the first of a potential six gold medals, however, she rather had to sit out after only one apparatus after seeming to capitulate to injury following the vault.

Simone Biles was supplanted in the US group subsequent to beginning Tuesday's Olympic women's team final. No explanation has been given, however, it seemed to be related to a right foot injury that potentially occurred in her opening vault. She was on the floor wearing her pants and jacket, but not her leotard.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-my-attitude-wasnt-great-says-japans-tennis-star-naomi-osaka-after-shock-exit-400938" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: 'My attitude wasn't great', says Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka after shock exit</a>

“Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions,”&nbsp;USA Gymnastics&nbsp;issued an official statement regarding her&nbsp;withdrawal.

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Official statement: "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." 
 
Thinking of you, Simone! <a href="https://t.co/QA1GYHwWTv">pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv</a>
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1419992728352526339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Gymnastics' ruling body the FIG also confirmed on Twitter: "After one routine Simone Biles will sit out the rest of the women's team final."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-indian-boxer-lovlina-borgohain-moves-into-quarterfinals-with-a-win-over-german-pugilist-400914" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain moves into quarterfinals with a win over German pugilis</a>

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Confirmed: After one routine, Simone Biles 🇺🇸 will sit out the rest of the Women's Team final in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArtisticGymnastics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArtisticGymnastics</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a>
— FIG (@gymnastics) <a href="https://twitter.com/gymnastics/status/1419984879266238474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The four-time gold medallist at the 2016 Rio Games was off to a dreary opening vault and afterward momentarily left the opposition floor, prior to getting back to join her teammates.&nbsp;

She was supplanted in the three closing routines on the uneven bars, shaft, and floor.&nbsp;Simone Biles qualified for all six finals accessible to her yet her exhibition was covered with uncharacteristic errors.&nbsp;

After a frustrating attempt in the first rotation of the women's team event, Simone Biles was implied by an 'R' on the competitor list before the bars started, demonstrating she would not proceed in the competition.

ROC's Vladislava Urazova (14.866) and Angelina Melnikova (14.933) delivered big numbers, the US needed a major score and Suni Lee conveyed it: 15.4. It's was the highest score of any athlete in these Olympics up until now.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the 24-year-old said she some of the time feels like she has "the weight of the world" on her shoulders.

US gymnastics star Simone Biles has pulled out from the women's team gymnastic final event at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 27 (Tuesday). The best gymnastic specialist in the world was eying the first of a potential six gold medals, however, she rather had to sit out after only one apparatus after seeming to capitulate to injury following the vault.

US gymnastics star Simone Biles has pulled out from the women's team gymnastic final event at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 27 (Tuesday). The best gymnastic specialist in the world was eying the first of a potential six gold medals, however, she rather had to sit out after only one apparatus after seeming to capitulate to injury following the vault. Simone Biles was supplanted in the US group subsequent to beginning Tuesday's Olympic women's team final. No explanation has been given, however, it seemed to be related to a right foot injury that potentially occurred in her opening vault. She was on the floor wearing her pants and jacket, but not her leotard. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: 'My attitude wasn't great', says Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka after shock exit “Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions,” USA Gymnastics issued an official statement regarding her withdrawal. Official statement: "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." Thinking of you, Simone! pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv — USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 27, 2021 × Gymnastics' ruling body the FIG also confirmed on Twitter: "After one routine Simone Biles will sit out the rest of the women's team final." ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain moves into quarterfinals with a win over German pugilis Confirmed: After one routine, Simone Biles 🇺🇸 will sit out the rest of the Women's Team final in #ArtisticGymnastics at #Tokyo2020. #Olympics — FIG (@gymnastics) July 27, 2021 × The four-time gold medallist at the 2016 Rio Games was off to a dreary opening vault and afterward momentarily left the opposition floor, prior to getting back to join her teammates. She was supplanted in the three closing routines on the uneven bars, shaft, and floor. Simone Biles qualified for all six finals accessible to her yet her exhibition was covered with uncharacteristic errors. After a frustrating attempt in the first rotation of the women's team event, Simone Biles was implied by an 'R' on the competitor list before the bars started, demonstrating she would not proceed in the competition. ROC's Vladislava Urazova (14.866) and Angelina Melnikova (14.933) delivered big numbers, the US needed a major score and Suni Lee conveyed it: 15.4. It's was the highest score of any athlete in these Olympics up until now. In an Instagram post on Monday, the 24-year-old said she some of the time feels like she has "the weight of the world" on her shoulders.

Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles withdraws from women's gymnastics team all-around final

Simone&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;will get a chance to atone for an uninspiring qualifying effort on Sunday and get a shot at six gold medals that would enshrine the American gymnast in the pantheon of all-time Olympic greats.

Already regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats,&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;arrived in Tokyo targeting a record haul.

The American currently shares the women's gymnastics record of capturing four golds at a single Olympics with a number of others, including Larisa Latynina, Vera Caslavska, and Ecaterina Szabo.

The 24-year-old had been expected to launch an all-out assault on the podium and record books in Tokyo but her first appearance at the Ariake Gymnastics Stadium was not without a bit of stress and drama as she had to wait until well into the evening before finding out if she was among the eight qualifiers to make the cut for the asymmetric bars and balance beam finals.

After completing her last routine on the beam, a grim-faced&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;looked up at the scoreboard and exited the arena without talking to the media.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-mens-hockey-australia-thrash-india-7-1-in-pool-a-game-400549" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Australia thrash India 7-1 in Men's Pool A game</a>

Despite some initial disappointment with her effort,&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;will have a packed program in Tokyo leading the U.S. defense of their team title and her all-around crown. She will then compete in the finals of the beam, uneven bars, vault, and floor exercise.

If the Americans, who were surprisingly pipped by the Russians in qualifying, capture the team gold on Tuesday,&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;could potentially win six golds.

With the five medals she won in Rio in 2016,&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;needs three more to move past Shannon Miller as the most decorated U.S. gymnast.

Four more and she will also break the gymnastics record of combined world and Olympic 33-medal haul held by Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus.

With no spectators allowed inside the arena due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was very much a business-like effort by&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;and her American teammates. However, it was far from business as usual with a resurgent Russian team firing a warning shot.

Russia, competing in Tokyo as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) because the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offenses, have not won the women's team title since the United Team struck gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-naomi-osaka-refreshed-and-ready-after-first-win-since-may-400534" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Naomi Osaka refreshed and ready after first win since May</a>

On Sunday, they earned a combined total of 171.629, more than a full point clear of the Americans, who finished with 170.562.

The U.S. has won the team event in every Olympics and world championship since 2011.

Even without the presence of thousands of screaming fans, the spotlight in a near-empty arena seldom strayed from&nbsp;Biles, who was the focus of attention each time she stepped up to a piece of equipment.

With zero energy in the building,&nbsp;Biles&nbsp;got the competition off to a flat start by flying off the mat with both feet at the end of one tumbling pass during her floor exercise.

But such was the degree of difficulty of her routine that even with the big error she still drew the second-highest score, behind only Vanessa Ferrari of Italy.

She finished with the top mark in the vault but could not find her best form on the beam and asymmetric bars.

In fact, her score of 14.566 on the uneven bars left her trailing in 10th but she squeezed into the final thanks to an Olympic rule that limits only two finalists per nation, with two higher-placed Russians missing out.

While the U.S. were not the dominant force many expected, USA Gymnastics team coordinator Tom Forster reminded everyone there were no medals handed out on Sunday.

"Mentally we're going to be okay," assured Forster. "It's just about being focused.

"This is not the finals, this is getting into the finals. So this might be a great awakening for us, and we'll take advantage of it.

"Sometimes, just like in any other sport, great athletes drop the ball in the end-zone or a quarterback throws an interception. It happens."

Simone Biles will get a chance to atone for an uninspiring qualifying effort on Sunday and get a shot at six gold medals that would enshrine the American gymnast in the pantheon of all-time Olympic greats.

Simone Biles will get a chance to atone for an uninspiring qualifying effort on Sunday and get a shot at six gold medals that would enshrine the American gymnast in the pantheon of all-time Olympic greats. Already regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, Biles arrived in Tokyo targeting a record haul. The American currently shares the women's gymnastics record of capturing four golds at a single Olympics with a number of others, including Larisa Latynina, Vera Caslavska, and Ecaterina Szabo. The 24-year-old had been expected to launch an all-out assault on the podium and record books in Tokyo but her first appearance at the Ariake Gymnastics Stadium was not without a bit of stress and drama as she had to wait until well into the evening before finding out if she was among the eight qualifiers to make the cut for the asymmetric bars and balance beam finals. After completing her last routine on the beam, a grim-faced Biles looked up at the scoreboard and exited the arena without talking to the media. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Australia thrash India 7-1 in Men's Pool A game Despite some initial disappointment with her effort, Biles will have a packed program in Tokyo leading the U.S. defense of their team title and her all-around crown. She will then compete in the finals of the beam, uneven bars, vault, and floor exercise. If the Americans, who were surprisingly pipped by the Russians in qualifying, capture the team gold on Tuesday, Biles could potentially win six golds. With the five medals she won in Rio in 2016, Biles needs three more to move past Shannon Miller as the most decorated U.S. gymnast. Four more and she will also break the gymnastics record of combined world and Olympic 33-medal haul held by Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus. With no spectators allowed inside the arena due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was very much a business-like effort by Biles and her American teammates. However, it was far from business as usual with a resurgent Russian team firing a warning shot. Russia, competing in Tokyo as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) because the country was stripped of its flag and anthem for doping offenses, have not won the women's team title since the United Team struck gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Naomi Osaka refreshed and ready after first win since May On Sunday, they earned a combined total of 171.629, more than a full point clear of the Americans, who finished with 170.562. The U.S. has won the team event in every Olympics and world championship since 2011. Even without the presence of thousands of screaming fans, the spotlight in a near-empty arena seldom strayed from Biles, who was the focus of attention each time she stepped up to a piece of equipment. With zero energy in the building, Biles got the competition off to a flat start by flying off the mat with both feet at the end of one tumbling pass during her floor exercise. But such was the degree of difficulty of her routine that even with the big error she still drew the second-highest score, behind only Vanessa Ferrari of Italy. She finished with the top mark in the vault but could not find her best form on the beam and asymmetric bars. In fact, her score of 14.566 on the uneven bars left her trailing in 10th but she squeezed into the final thanks to an Olympic rule that limits only two finalists per nation, with two higher-placed Russians missing out. While the U.S. were not the dominant force many expected, USA Gymnastics team coordinator Tom Forster reminded everyone there were no medals handed out on Sunday. "Mentally we're going to be okay," assured Forster. "It's just about being focused. "This is not the finals, this is getting into the finals. So this might be a great awakening for us, and we'll take advantage of it. "Sometimes, just like in any other sport, great athletes drop the ball in the end-zone or a quarterback throws an interception. It happens."

Tokyo Olympics: US' Simone Biles remains on track for six golds

The tag of G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) is given to those competitors who have come and ruled their game and set themselves in an alternate echelon contrasted with their competitors.&nbsp;

Gymnast Simone Biles brings out unadulterated bliss as she resists gravity on numerous occasions with beauty and balance.

Regardless of a defective beginning at the preliminaries, she is expected&nbsp;to burst through her opposition to one more gold medal, establishing her status as the best gymnast ever.&nbsp;

Biles&nbsp;has ruled her game like no other, starting when she was still an adolescent.

The 24-year-old US athlete has now been granted a specially designed G.O.A.T Twitter emoticon, which her fans can use during her Tokyo Olympics mission to root for her.&nbsp;

She joins commended stars like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to have her GOAT emoticon, while likewise being the first woman and Olympian to do so.

The emoji is generated by typing #SimoneBiles or #Simone in Tweets.&nbsp;

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Witness greatness 
Tweet with greatness<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SimoneBiles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SimoneBiles</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Simone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Simone</a> <a href="https://t.co/M6RKzP3KB6">pic.twitter.com/M6RKzP3KB6</a>
— Twitter Sports (@TwitterSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterSports/status/1417850103428169730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Biles lately started contending in a leotard enriched with silver rhinestones looking like a goat's head.&nbsp;

"I just hope that kids growing up watching this don't or aren't ashamed of being good at whatever they do," she said.

"I want kids to learn that, yes, it's okay to acknowledge that you're good or even great at something," she added.

Biles, 24, has not lost a competition since 2013 and is aiming to become the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic all-around golds in over 50 years as well as improve on her Rio haul of five medals, four of them gold.

She made two attempts at the Yurchenko Double Pike vault, rolling her landing on the first one but performing the second almost flawlessly, surprising the handful of watching media and officials,&nbsp;including one of her coaches.

The tag of G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) is given to those competitors who have come and ruled their game and set themselves in an alternate echelon contrasted with their competitors.

The tag of G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) is given to those competitors who have come and ruled their game and set themselves in an alternate echelon contrasted with their competitors. Gymnast Simone Biles brings out unadulterated bliss as she resists gravity on numerous occasions with beauty and balance. Regardless of a defective beginning at the preliminaries, she is expected to burst through her opposition to one more gold medal, establishing her status as the best gymnast ever. Biles has ruled her game like no other, starting when she was still an adolescent. The 24-year-old US athlete has now been granted a specially designed G.O.A.T Twitter emoticon, which her fans can use during her Tokyo Olympics mission to root for her. She joins commended stars like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes to have her GOAT emoticon, while likewise being the first woman and Olympian to do so. The emoji is generated by typing #SimoneBiles or #Simone in Tweets. Witness greatness Tweet with greatness#SimoneBiles#Simone pic.twitter.com/M6RKzP3KB6 — Twitter Sports (@TwitterSports) July 21, 2021 × Biles lately started contending in a leotard enriched with silver rhinestones looking like a goat's head. "I just hope that kids growing up watching this don't or aren't ashamed of being good at whatever they do," she said. "I want kids to learn that, yes, it's okay to acknowledge that you're good or even great at something," she added. Biles, 24, has not lost a competition since 2013 and is aiming to become the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic all-around golds in over 50 years as well as improve on her Rio haul of five medals, four of them gold. She made two attempts at the Yurchenko Double Pike vault, rolling her landing on the first one but performing the second almost flawlessly, surprising the handful of watching media and officials, including one of her coaches.

Tokyo Olympics: Simone Biles becomes the first woman athlete to get a G.O.A.T emoticon

&nbsp;After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

Winner of the coveted all-around crown along with team, floor and vault gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles had given every indication that the Tokyo Games would be her competitive swan song.

But the 24-year-old American hinted during her appearance at the Team USA virtual media summit on Wednesday that she might put off retirement and try to compete in Paris in an individual event such as the floor exercise where she is a five-time world champion.

Biles said she was getting some pressure from her French coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi to consider Paris and did not rule out the idea.

"Right now my main focus is the (Tokyo) Olympic Games," said Biles, who has also won a record 25 world championship medals. "After, we have a tour that has been put together and I am really excited to go around the U.S. with all the girls and do that 36 city tour.

"Afterwards I am not so sure because Cecile and Laurent are from Paris and so they have kind of guilted me into at least being a specialist and coming back.

"But you know the main goal is 2021 Olympics first, tour and then we will have to see."

The Olympics, delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic, begin July 23.

After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Winner of the coveted all-around crown along with team, floor and vault gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles had given every indication that the Tokyo Games would be her competitive swan song. But the 24-year-old American hinted during her appearance at the Team USA virtual media summit on Wednesday that she might put off retirement and try to compete in Paris in an individual event such as the floor exercise where she is a five-time world champion. Biles said she was getting some pressure from her French coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi to consider Paris and did not rule out the idea. "Right now my main focus is the (Tokyo) Olympic Games," said Biles, who has also won a record 25 world championship medals. "After, we have a tour that has been put together and I am really excited to go around the U.S. with all the girls and do that 36 city tour. "Afterwards I am not so sure because Cecile and Laurent are from Paris and so they have kind of guilted me into at least being a specialist and coming back. "But you know the main goal is 2021 Olympics first, tour and then we will have to see." The Olympics, delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic, begin July 23.

Paris, not Tokyo, could be last Olympics, hints gymnast Biles

The brother of champion US gymnast Simone Biles has been arrested and charged in connection with a New Year's Eve shooting that left three people dead.

Tevin Biles-Thomas, 24, was charged Thursday with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and perjury, according to a statement from police in Cleveland, Ohio, where the shooting happened.

Biles-Thomas was arrested in Georgia, said Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael O'Malley.

Shortly before midnight on December 31 of last year, a group of young men tried to enter an apartment where a party was being held. Guns were fired and three people were killed while two others were wounded, according to press reports.

Biles' brother is on active duty with the US Army, reports said. He is the only person charged in the shooting.

Simone Biles, 22, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, spent the first years of her life with foster families as her mother struggled with substance abuse. She was eventually adopted along with her younger sister by their maternal grandfather.

In January 2018, she disclosed that she was among the victims of Larry Nassar, the former doctor of the women's Olympic gymnastics team who was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of girls and women over the course of 20 years.

Biles did not comment directly on her brother's case but tweeted, "eating my feelings don't talk to me."

The brother of champion US gymnast Simone Biles has been arrested and charged in connection with a New Year's Eve shooting that left three people dead. Tevin Biles-Thomas, 24, was charged Thursday with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and perjury, according to a statement from police in Cleveland, Ohio, where the shooting happened.

The brother of champion US gymnast Simone Biles has been arrested and charged in connection with a New Year's Eve shooting that left three people dead. Tevin Biles-Thomas, 24, was charged Thursday with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and perjury, according to a statement from police in Cleveland, Ohio, where the shooting happened. Biles-Thomas was arrested in Georgia, said Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael O'Malley. Shortly before midnight on December 31 of last year, a group of young men tried to enter an apartment where a party was being held. Guns were fired and three people were killed while two others were wounded, according to press reports. Biles' brother is on active duty with the US Army, reports said. He is the only person charged in the shooting. Simone Biles, 22, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, spent the first years of her life with foster families as her mother struggled with substance abuse. She was eventually adopted along with her younger sister by their maternal grandfather. In January 2018, she disclosed that she was among the victims of Larry Nassar, the former doctor of the women's Olympic gymnastics team who was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of girls and women over the course of 20 years. Biles did not comment directly on her brother's case but tweeted, "eating my feelings don't talk to me."

Brother of Simone Biles charged with triple murder

2019 Laureus World Sports Awards: List of winners

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