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.

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>

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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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.

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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>
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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

From Mikaela Shiffrin's dominance to Naomi Osaka's breakthrough, here are 11 great moments from women's sport in 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=simone+biles">Simone Biles</a> became the first ever gymnast to win 13 world championship gold medals with victory in the individual vault competition in Qatar on Friday.

The 21-year-old American broke the all-time record set by Belarusian male gymnast Vitaly Scherbo in 1996, a year before Biles was born.

It was Biles' third gold medal of the week so far in Doha and she is halfway to a possible sweep of six gold medals at these championships.

This was also her 17th world championship medal overall, which means she is just three shy of the all-time record of 20, held by Russia's Svetlana Khorkina.

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The gold-medal-winning vaults from Simone Biles 🙌🏼🥇 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DohaGym2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DohaGym2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/OjbLS1meHu">pic.twitter.com/OjbLS1meHu</a>
— FloGymnastics (@FloGymnastics) <a href="https://twitter.com/FloGymnastics/status/1058385262319992833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Favourite to take gold in the event, she received a mark of 15.366, well ahead of second-placed Shallon Olsen from Canada, who finished on 14.516.

Bronze went to Mexico's Alexa Moreno, with 43-year-old Oksana Chusovitina in fourth.

Biles has another chance of a gold medal later on Friday in the uneven bars event.

Earlier, all-around gold medal winner Artur Dalaloyan won the men's floor exercise gold medal.

Simone Biles became the first ever gymnast to win 13 world championship gold medals with victory in the individual vault competition in Qatar on Friday. The 21-year-old American broke the all-time record set by Belarusian male gymnast Vitaly Scherbo in 1996, a year before Biles was born.

Simone Biles became the first ever gymnast to win 13 world championship gold medals with victory in the individual vault competition in Qatar on Friday. The 21-year-old American broke the all-time record set by Belarusian male gymnast Vitaly Scherbo in 1996, a year before Biles was born. It was Biles' third gold medal of the week so far in Doha and she is halfway to a possible sweep of six gold medals at these championships. This was also her 17th world championship medal overall, which means she is just three shy of the all-time record of 20, held by Russia's Svetlana Khorkina. The gold-medal-winning vaults from Simone Biles 🙌🏼🥇 #DohaGym2018 pic.twitter.com/OjbLS1meHu — FloGymnastics (@FloGymnastics) November 2, 2018 × Favourite to take gold in the event, she received a mark of 15.366, well ahead of second-placed Shallon Olsen from Canada, who finished on 14.516. Bronze went to Mexico's Alexa Moreno, with 43-year-old Oksana Chusovitina in fourth. Biles has another chance of a gold medal later on Friday in the uneven bars event. Earlier, all-around gold medal winner Artur Dalaloyan won the men's floor exercise gold medal.

Gymnast Simone Biles claims record 13th world gold medal

Simone Biles created history by becoming the first woman to win four all-around titles at the World Championships ahead of Japan's Mai Murakami, and US&nbsp;teammate Morgan Hurd.

Despite errors on beam and vault, Biles further cements herself as the greatest of all time. She finished with 57.491 points in Doha to add to the titles she won in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Her participation was in doubt as she was admitted to hospital with a kidney stone on the eve of the tournament.

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Historic podium! Biles 🇺🇸 makes history as first female to win 4⃣ World All-around 🥇🥇🥇🥇 Murakami 🇯🇵 record result as first JPN woman to win AA 🥈Hurd 🇺🇸wins 🥉! 
Results 👉 <a href="https://t.co/Rj8MU7CgJO">https://t.co/Rj8MU7CgJO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoGymtastic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoGymtastic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gymnastics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gymnastics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DohaGym2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DohaGym2018</a> 🇶🇦 <a href="https://t.co/01lgJokIOc">pic.twitter.com/01lgJokIOc</a>
— FIG (@gymnastics) <a href="https://twitter.com/gymnastics/status/1058025785611767808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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2018 World Championships All-Around Final Results 
1. Simone Biles USA 57.491🥇 
2. Mai Murakami JPN 55.798 🥈 
3. Morgan Hurd USA 55.732 🥉 
4. Nina Derwael BEL 55.699 
5. Angelina Melnikova RUS 55.698 
6. Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos 55.599 
7. Chen Yile CHN 54.632<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DohaGym2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DohaGym2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GoBsYi2HyE">pic.twitter.com/GoBsYi2HyE</a>
— FloGymnastics (@FloGymnastics) <a href="https://twitter.com/FloGymnastics/status/1058011191811944450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This one has probably been the hardest to get out of all my world championships and Olympic medals, and the scariest one," Biles said.

"It’s exciting to bring back a gold medal for the US, but for me it’s a bit disappointing because that’s not the performance I would hope to give."

The 21-year-old took more than a year off after winning four gold medals, including the all-around, at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"I think I gave everyone out there a heart attack, but it is what it is," she said of her mistakes.

"Even the best fall sometimes, but I’m excited that I pulled it out at the end. I was definitely shocked."

Simone Biles created history by becoming the first woman to win four all-around titles at the World Championships ahead of Japan's Mai Murakami, and US teammate Morgan Hurd.

Simone Biles created history by becoming the first woman to win four all-around titles at the World Championships ahead of Japan's Mai Murakami, and US teammate Morgan Hurd. Despite errors on beam and vault, Biles further cements herself as the greatest of all time. She finished with 57.491 points in Doha to add to the titles she won in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Her participation was in doubt as she was admitted to hospital with a kidney stone on the eve of the tournament. Historic podium! Biles 🇺🇸 makes history as first female to win 4⃣ World All-around 🥇🥇🥇🥇 Murakami 🇯🇵 record result as first JPN woman to win AA 🥈Hurd 🇺🇸wins 🥉! Results 👉 https://t.co/Rj8MU7CgJO #GoGymtastic #Gymnastics #DohaGym2018 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/01lgJokIOc — FIG (@gymnastics) November 1, 2018 × 2018 World Championships All-Around Final Results 1. Simone Biles USA 57.491🥇 2. Mai Murakami JPN 55.798 🥈 3. Morgan Hurd USA 55.732 🥉 4. Nina Derwael BEL 55.699 5. Angelina Melnikova RUS 55.698 6. Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos 55.599 7. Chen Yile CHN 54.632#DohaGym2018 pic.twitter.com/GoBsYi2HyE — FloGymnastics (@FloGymnastics) November 1, 2018 × "This one has probably been the hardest to get out of all my world championships and Olympic medals, and the scariest one," Biles said. "It’s exciting to bring back a gold medal for the US, but for me it’s a bit disappointing because that’s not the performance I would hope to give." The 21-year-old took more than a year off after winning four gold medals, including the all-around, at the 2016 Rio Olympics. "I think I gave everyone out there a heart attack, but it is what it is," she said of her mistakes. "Even the best fall sometimes, but I’m excited that I pulled it out at the end. I was definitely shocked."

Simone Biles makes history with fourth all-around world title

US gymnast Simone Biles revealed on Monday she was sexually abused by disgraced former USA team doctor Larry Nassar, who was last month jailed for 60 years on child pornography charges.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Biles said she had wrestled with her decision to go public with her story since the scandal broke.

&quot;Most of you know me as a happy, giggly, and energetic girl,&quot; the 20-year-old reigning Olympic all-around champion wrote.&nbsp;

&quot;But lately I&#39;ve felt a bit broken and the more I try to shut off the voice in my head, the louder it screams. I am not afraid to tell my story anymore,&quot; she said.

&quot;I too am one of the many survivors that were sexually abused by Larry Nassar,&quot; the 10-time World Championship medallist added.

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Feelings... ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a> <a href="https://t.co/ICiu0FCa0n">pic.twitter.com/ICiu0FCa0n</a>
&mdash; Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) <a href="https://twitter.com/Simone_Biles/status/953014513837715457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nassar has been accused of sexually assaulting more than 100 young girls including several US Olympians.

Biles&#39;s teammates Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas are among the members of USA gymnastics squads who have said they were sexually assaulted by Nassar.

The 54-year-old was sentenced to 60 years in prison in December on child pornography charges.&nbsp;

He could be jailed for life when a further sentencing hearing gets underway in Michigan this week on separate sexual assault charges to which he has pleaded guilty.

In her statement on Twitter, Biles described her torment as she attempted to grapple with the abuse she had suffered.

&nbsp;

Larry Nassar has been accused of sexually assaulting more than 100 young girls including several US Olympians

US gymnast Simone Biles revealed on Monday she was sexually abused by disgraced former USA team doctor Larry Nassar, who was last month jailed for 60 years on child pornography charges. In a statement posted on Twitter, Biles said she had wrestled with her decision to go public with her story since the scandal broke. "Most of you know me as a happy, giggly, and energetic girl," the 20-year-old reigning Olympic all-around champion wrote. "But lately I've felt a bit broken and the more I try to shut off the voice in my head, the louder it screams. I am not afraid to tell my story anymore," she said. "I too am one of the many survivors that were sexually abused by Larry Nassar," the 10-time World Championship medallist added. Feelings... ???? #MeToo pic.twitter.com/ICiu0FCa0n — Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) January 15, 2018 × Nassar has been accused of sexually assaulting more than 100 young girls including several US Olympians. Biles's teammates Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas are among the members of USA gymnastics squads who have said they were sexually assaulted by Nassar. The 54-year-old was sentenced to 60 years in prison in December on child pornography charges. He could be jailed for life when a further sentencing hearing gets underway in Michigan this week on separate sexual assault charges to which he has pleaded guilty. In her statement on Twitter, Biles described her torment as she attempted to grapple with the abuse she had suffered.

'I was sexually abused by Larry Nassar,' says US gymnast Simone Biles

The World Anti-Doping Agency confirmed the hack of its database by a Russian group on Tuesday. 
 
WADA said in a statement that the Russian cyber espionage group Tsar Team (APT28), also known as Fancy Bear, had broken into its Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS) database, AFP reported. 
 
A Russian hacker group had claimed to have accessed World Anti-Doping Agency&#39;s (WADA) confidential database and published information on four prominent US athletes earlier on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;WADA deeply regrets this situation and is very conscious of the threat that it represents to athletes whose confidential information has been divulged through this criminal act,&quot; WADA director general Olivier Niggli said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
The group alleged that athletes like Williams sisters and Rio Olympics gold medallist Simone Biles were allowed to consume banned substances by WADA. 
 
&quot;After detailed studying of the hacked WADA databases we figured out that dozens of American athletes had tested positive,&quot; the Fancy Bears&#39; group claimed on its website. 
 
Certain illnesses or conditions may require the athlete to take particular drugs. If those drugs fall under WADA&#39;s prohibition list, a therapeutic use exemption can be given, allowing the athlete to take the needed medicine. 
 
The group alleged that WADA and International Olympic Committee &#39;s (IOC) Medical and Scientific Department were corrupt as they approved the athletes&#39; certificates for therapeutic use. 
 
&quot;As predicted, the USA dominated the 2016 Olympics medal count with 46 gold, 37 silver, 38 bronze for 121 total. The US team played well but not fair,&quot; the group said. 
 
According to the Fancy Bears&#39; group, Serena was allowed to take banned substances such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, prednisone and methylprednisolone in 2010, 2014 and 2015, Press Trust of India reported. 
 
Venus was allowed to take prednisone, prednisolone, and triamcinolone among others in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. 
 
&quot;The IOC strongly condemns such methods, which clearly aim at tarnishing the reputation of clean athletes,&quot; a spokeswoman for the IOC told AFP. &nbsp;&quot;The IOC can confirm however that the athletes mentioned did not violate any anti-doping rules during the Olympic Games Rio 2016.&quot; 
 
This is that second attack on the organisation since August. Last month, Russian whistleblower Yuliya Stepanova&#39;s file had been accessed by hackers. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

The group alleged that athletes like Williams sisters and Rio gold medallist Simone Biles were allowed to consume banned substances by WADA

The World Anti-Doping Agency confirmed the hack of its database by a Russian group on Tuesday. WADA said in a statement that the Russian cyber espionage group Tsar Team (APT28), also known as Fancy Bear, had broken into its Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS) database, AFP reported. A Russian hacker group had claimed to have accessed World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) confidential database and published information on four prominent US athletes earlier on Tuesday. "WADA deeply regrets this situation and is very conscious of the threat that it represents to athletes whose confidential information has been divulged through this criminal act," WADA director general Olivier Niggli said in a statement. The group alleged that athletes like Williams sisters and Rio Olympics gold medallist Simone Biles were allowed to consume banned substances by WADA. "After detailed studying of the hacked WADA databases we figured out that dozens of American athletes had tested positive," the Fancy Bears' group claimed on its website. Certain illnesses or conditions may require the athlete to take particular drugs. If those drugs fall under WADA's prohibition list, a therapeutic use exemption can be given, allowing the athlete to take the needed medicine. The group alleged that WADA and International Olympic Committee 's (IOC) Medical and Scientific Department were corrupt as they approved the athletes' certificates for therapeutic use. "As predicted, the USA dominated the 2016 Olympics medal count with 46 gold, 37 silver, 38 bronze for 121 total. The US team played well but not fair," the group said. According to the Fancy Bears' group, Serena was allowed to take banned substances such as oxycodone, hydromorphone, prednisone and methylprednisolone in 2010, 2014 and 2015, Press Trust of India reported. Venus was allowed to take prednisone, prednisolone, and triamcinolone among others in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. "The IOC strongly condemns such methods, which clearly aim at tarnishing the reputation of clean athletes," a spokeswoman for the IOC told AFP. "The IOC can confirm however that the athletes mentioned did not violate any anti-doping rules during the Olympic Games Rio 2016." This is that second attack on the organisation since August. Last month, Russian whistleblower Yuliya Stepanova's file had been accessed by hackers. (WION with inputs from AFP)

World Anti-Doping Agency confirms hack by Russian group

Gabby Douglas, a&nbsp;member of the US women&#39;s national gymnastics team, missed the MTV Video Music Awards due to an illness. 
 
Douglas and her teammates, dubbed as the &#39;Final Five&#39; by the media, were scheduled to present the award for Best Female Video. 
 
Douglas posted a photo of herself wrapped in a blanket on Instagram, explaining why she did not attend the award function. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJqzQLBhvlo/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Out of the hospital &amp; resting comfortably! #FinalFive so sad I can&#39;t be with u all to present tonite?? @MTV thank u? xoxo ?? #VMAs #myview</a>

<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 photo posted by Gabby Douglas (@gabbycvdouglas) on <time datetime="2016-08-28T22:14:45+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 28, 2016 at 3:14pm PDT</time>
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&quot;Gabby is back in the hospital tonight being treated for a seriously infected past mouth injury,&quot; Douglas&#39; publicist was reported by the celebrity news website PEOPLE as saying. &quot;She continues to have deep swelling and adverse reactions to medications.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Simone Biles, the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor gold medalist, acknowledged her teammate when presenting the award and said, &quot;Feel better, Gabby!&quot; 
 
Ali Raisman, one of Douglas&#39; teammates posted a picture of the other four members on Instagram, wishing her well. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJreSlrAMd0/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">We missed you @gabbycvdouglas we hope you&#39;re feeling better ??</a>

<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 photo posted by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on <time datetime="2016-08-29T04:30:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 28, 2016 at 9:30pm PDT</time>
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Douglas became the first African-American to win the Olympic title in London in 2012. But in Rio she finished seventh in the eight-woman uneven bars final. 
 
Other Olympians attending the gala included US swimmer Michael Phelps who introduced the rapper Future whom he called an inspiration. 
 
Beyonce dominated the Video Music Awards with a near-record eight wins. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Douglas and her teammates ?- dubbed as the 'Final Five' by the media - were scheduled to present the award for Best Female Video

Gabby Douglas, a member of the US women's national gymnastics team, missed the MTV Video Music Awards due to an illness. Douglas and her teammates, dubbed as the 'Final Five' by the media, were scheduled to present the award for Best Female Video. Douglas posted a photo of herself wrapped in a blanket on Instagram, explaining why she did not attend the award function. Out of the hospital & resting comfortably! #FinalFive so sad I can't be with u all to present tonite?? @MTV thank u? xoxo ?? #VMAs #myview A photo posted by Gabby Douglas (@gabbycvdouglas) on Aug 28, 2016 at 3:14pm PDT "Gabby is back in the hospital tonight being treated for a seriously infected past mouth injury," Douglas' publicist was reported by the celebrity news website PEOPLE as saying. "She continues to have deep swelling and adverse reactions to medications." Simone Biles, the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor gold medalist, acknowledged her teammate when presenting the award and said, "Feel better, Gabby!" Ali Raisman, one of Douglas' teammates posted a picture of the other four members on Instagram, wishing her well. We missed you @gabbycvdouglas we hope you're feeling better ?? A photo posted by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on Aug 28, 2016 at 9:30pm PDT Douglas became the first African-American to win the Olympic title in London in 2012. But in Rio she finished seventh in the eight-woman uneven bars final. Other Olympians attending the gala included US swimmer Michael Phelps who introduced the rapper Future whom he called an inspiration. Beyonce dominated the Video Music Awards with a near-record eight wins. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Olympic gold medallist Gabby Douglas hospitalised, misses MTV Music Awards

Gymnast Simone Biles, winner of four gold medals in her first Olympic Games in Rio, will carry the US flag at the closing ceremony on Sunday, the US Olympic Committee said Saturday. 
 
Biles was chosen by a vote of fellow Team US members and is just the second gymnast to be named flag bearer for the US, after Alfred Jochim in the opening ceremony in 1936. 
 
Biles won team and individual gold medals in the women&#39;s all-around, vault and floor exercise, also adding a fifth medal, bronze, on the&nbsp;balance beam. 
 
Cementing her claim to the status of best gymnast of her generation, the 19-year-old became the first American gymnast to win four golds at a single Games. 
&nbsp; 
She is one of only four women to accomplish the feat in Olympic history, joining Larissa Latynina (1956), Vera Caslavska (1968) and Ekaterina Szabo (1984). 
 
(AFP)

The 19-year-old became the first American gymnast to win four golds at a single Games ?

Gymnast Simone Biles, winner of four gold medals in her first Olympic Games in Rio, will carry the US flag at the closing ceremony on Sunday, the US Olympic Committee said Saturday. Biles was chosen by a vote of fellow Team US members and is just the second gymnast to be named flag bearer for the US, after Alfred Jochim in the opening ceremony in 1936. Biles won team and individual gold medals in the women's all-around, vault and floor exercise, also adding a fifth medal, bronze, on the balance beam. Cementing her claim to the status of best gymnast of her generation, the 19-year-old became the first American gymnast to win four golds at a single Games. She is one of only four women to accomplish the feat in Olympic history, joining Larissa Latynina (1956), Vera Caslavska (1968) and Ekaterina Szabo (1984). (AFP)

Olympics 2016: Simone Biles to carry US flag at closing ceremony

Simone Biles bowed out of her fabulous Olympic debut in Rio with a record-equalling fourth gold, short of the record five she sought, but with her name in lights among the gymnastics greats. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s been a long journey, but I`ve enjoyed every moment,&quot; said the Texan whose early life struggles had not set her out as the future face of women`s gymnastics. 
 
The 19-year-old took gold on floor on Tuesday ahead of US teammate Amy Raisman, muscles flexed and with the steely determination she had shown on her way to the team, all-around and vault titles. 
 
The only blip standing between her and history, a slip on the beam on the penultimate day of competition, which gave her bronze. 
 
She is the fifth woman to win four gold at the same Games after Hungarian Agnes Keleti (1956), Soviet Larissa Latynina (1956), Czech Vera Caslavska (1968) and Romanian Ecaterina Szabo (1984). 
 
But Biles remains unfazed. 
 
&quot;To walk away from your first Olympics with five medals and four in gold, how can you be disappointed,&quot; she said. &quot;It`s exciting it`s over, but kind of sad too.&quot; 
 
Biles missed London 2012 because she was too young to compete but has dominated gymnastics in the four-year cycle since. 
 
Finishing off on the podium beside her idol Raisman, 22, was more than she could have hoped for. 
 
&quot;I remember watching her (in London) and saying &#39;I just want to be like her&#39;. Just standing next to her is amazing. It`s the cherry on top me and Aly finishing 1-2 on the floor.&quot; 
 
Her long-time coach Aimee Boorman believes the sport will never be the same after the Biles whirlwind. 
 
&quot;Right now I would say she`s the greatest gymnast,&quot; said Boorman, who has coached Biles since she was six years old. 
 
&quot;She has really raised the bar. But then four years ago nobody thought they would see a Simone Biles.&quot; 
 
Her epic Olympic adventure has seen Biles photographed alongside Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt and US swimming greats Michael 
Phelps and Katie Ledecky. 
 
But she brushes aside all comparisons. 
 
&quot;I`m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, I`m the first Simone Biles,&quot; she says. 
 
It has been a long journey for the 1.45m (4ft 9ins) gymnast who moved to Texas from her native Ohio at the age of three, adopted with her little sister Adria by her maternal grandfather Ron Biles and his wife Nellie.&nbsp; 
 
The children had been in foster care as their mother struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. 
 
For Biles it all seems normal.&nbsp; 
 
She calls her grandparents `Mom` and `Dad` and says that when she was small she thought all children were adopted. 
 
She started gymnastic lessons after a daycare field trip to a Houston gym aged six. Her raw talent and ability to do amazing flips soon caught the attention of Boorman. 
 
&quot;When I first saw her, I was like, &#39;Wow, this kid has something&#39;. But what it was and how far she could go with it, I had no idea,&quot; Boorman said. 
 
Biles&#39; talent developed from a bungling novice who could not stay on the beam and struggled with uneven bars because her hands were so small.&nbsp; 
 
Under Boorman, 43, Biles has won more world championships than any other woman in history, taking two gold at her first worlds in 2013. 
Four more gold at worlds in Nanning 2014 made her realise it was no fluke. 
 
&quot;When I was young like every kid I always said I wanted to go to the Olympics but I wasn`t really serious about it,&quot; recalls Biles.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Everything just hit me. I thought maybe I`m good! It`s unreal how it happened,&quot; she said. 
 
She is the first woman to win three straight world all-around titles and first to win ten gold medals at world championships. 
 
Everything has been geared towards her drive to become the greatest gymnast ever. Biles spent all her secondary education being homeschooled. 
 
&quot;I wanted to see how far I could go in this sport. I don`t have any regrets, because of how far I`ve come.&quot; 
 
The task now will be getting back to normal with college on the horizon. 
 
&quot;We`ll make it as normal as possible. It will be crazy. I don`t think anybody is ready for it but Aly and Gabby (Douglas).&quot; 
Boorman added: &quot;One thing is sure, she definitely won`t be back in the gym next week, except to sign autographs.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The teenage sensation has come a long way from her hardscrabble childhood to scale rare heights at these Games

Simone Biles bowed out of her fabulous Olympic debut in Rio with a record-equalling fourth gold, short of the record five she sought, but with her name in lights among the gymnastics greats. "It's been a long journey, but I`ve enjoyed every moment," said the Texan whose early life struggles had not set her out as the future face of women`s gymnastics. The 19-year-old took gold on floor on Tuesday ahead of US teammate Amy Raisman, muscles flexed and with the steely determination she had shown on her way to the team, all-around and vault titles. The only blip standing between her and history, a slip on the beam on the penultimate day of competition, which gave her bronze. She is the fifth woman to win four gold at the same Games after Hungarian Agnes Keleti (1956), Soviet Larissa Latynina (1956), Czech Vera Caslavska (1968) and Romanian Ecaterina Szabo (1984). But Biles remains unfazed. "To walk away from your first Olympics with five medals and four in gold, how can you be disappointed," she said. "It`s exciting it`s over, but kind of sad too." Biles missed London 2012 because she was too young to compete but has dominated gymnastics in the four-year cycle since. Finishing off on the podium beside her idol Raisman, 22, was more than she could have hoped for. "I remember watching her (in London) and saying 'I just want to be like her'. Just standing next to her is amazing. It`s the cherry on top me and Aly finishing 1-2 on the floor." Her long-time coach Aimee Boorman believes the sport will never be the same after the Biles whirlwind. "Right now I would say she`s the greatest gymnast," said Boorman, who has coached Biles since she was six years old. "She has really raised the bar. But then four years ago nobody thought they would see a Simone Biles." Her epic Olympic adventure has seen Biles photographed alongside Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt and US swimming greats Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. But she brushes aside all comparisons. "I`m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, I`m the first Simone Biles," she says. It has been a long journey for the 1.45m (4ft 9ins) gymnast who moved to Texas from her native Ohio at the age of three, adopted with her little sister Adria by her maternal grandfather Ron Biles and his wife Nellie. The children had been in foster care as their mother struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. For Biles it all seems normal. She calls her grandparents `Mom` and `Dad` and says that when she was small she thought all children were adopted. She started gymnastic lessons after a daycare field trip to a Houston gym aged six. Her raw talent and ability to do amazing flips soon caught the attention of Boorman. "When I first saw her, I was like, 'Wow, this kid has something'. But what it was and how far she could go with it, I had no idea," Boorman said. Biles' talent developed from a bungling novice who could not stay on the beam and struggled with uneven bars because her hands were so small. Under Boorman, 43, Biles has won more world championships than any other woman in history, taking two gold at her first worlds in 2013. Four more gold at worlds in Nanning 2014 made her realise it was no fluke. "When I was young like every kid I always said I wanted to go to the Olympics but I wasn`t really serious about it," recalls Biles. "Everything just hit me. I thought maybe I`m good! It`s unreal how it happened," she said. She is the first woman to win three straight world all-around titles and first to win ten gold medals at world championships. Everything has been geared towards her drive to become the greatest gymnast ever. Biles spent all her secondary education being homeschooled. "I wanted to see how far I could go in this sport. I don`t have any regrets, because of how far I`ve come." The task now will be getting back to normal with college on the horizon. "We`ll make it as normal as possible. It will be crazy. I don`t think anybody is ready for it but Aly and Gabby (Douglas)." Boorman added: "One thing is sure, she definitely won`t be back in the gym next week, except to sign autographs." (AFP)

Rio Olympics 2016: Simone Biles wins fourth gold, etches her name in history

As Simone Biles stood locked in a tight embrace with her team mate Aly Raisman, waiting for her final score to come up on the big screen, the concerned look in her eyes suggested she had no idea who would be crowned Olympic all around champion.&nbsp; 
 
The American, however, was the only one still in the dark in the brightly lit Rio Olympic Arena on Thursday as the hollering cheers and standing ovation that greeted her final tumbling pass on the floor exercise confirmed what everyone knew long before the judges` verdict came up, Biles was the new champion. 
 
When a stupendous score of 15.933 confirmed she had beaten Raisman by 2.100 points with a total of 62.198, the coronation that had been in the planning stages ever since she won the first of a record three successive world titles in 2013 could finally take place. 
 
Then the woman who had remained stoic throughout the previous two hours as she showcased her jaw-dropping skills across four apparatus, finally let her guard down and burst into tears. 
 
As the realisation hit home that she finally owned the biggest individual prize in the sport, the crowd saluted a gymnast who had just become the first woman in 20 years to win the Olympic all-around title as the reigning world champion. 
 
&quot;Every emotion hit me at once so I was just kind of a train wreck,&quot; Biles said after scooping a second gold in Rio following her success in the team final on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;Everything was going through my head but mainly it was like I had finally done it and when that hits you, you can`t really stop the emotions.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
For Raisman, claiming silver with a total of 60.098 meant redemption after she suffered a gut-wrenching disappointment to miss out on the bronze four years ago to Russia`s Aliya Mustafina on the tiebreak rule.&nbsp; 
 
This time, the American was all smiles as she stood one step higher than Mustafina on the podium.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;After the tiebreak of 2012 it was very heartbreaking&nbsp;and now coming back and finally having that redemption after four years of working so hard and five times of trying in the all around final at world championships and the Olympics, it`s really special to finally be on the podium,&quot; she said. 
 
Free spirit 
But she was under no illusion which medal she had been aiming for. 
 
&quot;No one goes in thinking they can beat Simone. People don`t go in thinking they can beat Usain Bolt either. It`s kind of the same thing.&quot; 
As far as Biles was concerned, she is incomparable. 
 
&quot;I`m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, I`m the first Simone Biles.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Many reigning world champions before Biles have tried to conquer the Olympics, only to crumble under the weight of expectation -- thus becoming victims of what in gymnastics circles is known as the &quot;curse of the world champion&quot;. 
 
But rather than being crushed by the hype, Biles is such a free spirit that she simply soared higher and higher on Thursday with a dazzling floor performance that will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to be in the Rio Olympic Arena. 
 
Biles earned 15.866 on the vault, 14.966 on the asymmetric bars and 15.433 on the balance beam. 
 
On the floor, her explosive tumbling passes, which included her trademark soaring double layout with half twist at the end, had the Brazilian crowd on their feet as her sassy moves were choreographed to hip-swinging Samba beats. 
 
Biles` triumph made her the fourth successive American to win the title, ollowing the successes of Carly Patterson, Nastia Liukin and Gabby Douglas, which is the longest winning streak by a country in the Olympic discipline. 
 
Biles and Raisman completed a one-two finish for the second time for the U.S. after Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson won gold and silver respectively in 2008. 
 
It was also the first time since 1992 that both the men`s and women`s all around champions were members of the gold medal team at the same Olympics.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

?Becomes the first woman in 20 years to win the Olympic all-around title as the reigning world champion

As Simone Biles stood locked in a tight embrace with her team mate Aly Raisman, waiting for her final score to come up on the big screen, the concerned look in her eyes suggested she had no idea who would be crowned Olympic all around champion. The American, however, was the only one still in the dark in the brightly lit Rio Olympic Arena on Thursday as the hollering cheers and standing ovation that greeted her final tumbling pass on the floor exercise confirmed what everyone knew long before the judges` verdict came up, Biles was the new champion. When a stupendous score of 15.933 confirmed she had beaten Raisman by 2.100 points with a total of 62.198, the coronation that had been in the planning stages ever since she won the first of a record three successive world titles in 2013 could finally take place. Then the woman who had remained stoic throughout the previous two hours as she showcased her jaw-dropping skills across four apparatus, finally let her guard down and burst into tears. As the realisation hit home that she finally owned the biggest individual prize in the sport, the crowd saluted a gymnast who had just become the first woman in 20 years to win the Olympic all-around title as the reigning world champion. "Every emotion hit me at once so I was just kind of a train wreck," Biles said after scooping a second gold in Rio following her success in the team final on Tuesday. "Everything was going through my head but mainly it was like I had finally done it and when that hits you, you can`t really stop the emotions." For Raisman, claiming silver with a total of 60.098 meant redemption after she suffered a gut-wrenching disappointment to miss out on the bronze four years ago to Russia`s Aliya Mustafina on the tiebreak rule. This time, the American was all smiles as she stood one step higher than Mustafina on the podium. "After the tiebreak of 2012 it was very heartbreaking and now coming back and finally having that redemption after four years of working so hard and five times of trying in the all around final at world championships and the Olympics, it`s really special to finally be on the podium," she said. Free spirit But she was under no illusion which medal she had been aiming for. "No one goes in thinking they can beat Simone. People don`t go in thinking they can beat Usain Bolt either. It`s kind of the same thing." As far as Biles was concerned, she is incomparable. "I`m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, I`m the first Simone Biles." Many reigning world champions before Biles have tried to conquer the Olympics, only to crumble under the weight of expectation -- thus becoming victims of what in gymnastics circles is known as the "curse of the world champion". But rather than being crushed by the hype, Biles is such a free spirit that she simply soared higher and higher on Thursday with a dazzling floor performance that will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to be in the Rio Olympic Arena. Biles earned 15.866 on the vault, 14.966 on the asymmetric bars and 15.433 on the balance beam. On the floor, her explosive tumbling passes, which included her trademark soaring double layout with half twist at the end, had the Brazilian crowd on their feet as her sassy moves were choreographed to hip-swinging Samba beats. Biles` triumph made her the fourth successive American to win the title, ollowing the successes of Carly Patterson, Nastia Liukin and Gabby Douglas, which is the longest winning streak by a country in the Olympic discipline. Biles and Raisman completed a one-two finish for the second time for the U.S. after Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson won gold and silver respectively in 2008. It was also the first time since 1992 that both the men`s and women`s all around champions were members of the gold medal team at the same Olympics. (Reuters)

Rio Olympics 2016: Simone Biles wins women's gymnastics

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