Simone Biles said in a statement that she will “cherish this unique Olympic experience” despite withdrawing from the games due to mental health issues.
The American Gymnast opted out of the Tokyo Olympics last week due to a psychological condition knows as ‘the twisties’, which rendered her unable to orientate herself in mid-air.
Contrary to her massive win during the Rio Olympics in 2016, wherein she bagged four golds and bronze, this time Biles is leaving Japan with two minor medals.
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“Not at all how I imagined or dreamed my second Olympics would go but blessed to represent the USA,” she said in a post on Instagram.
“I’ll forever cherish this unique olympic experience. Thanks everyone for the endless love and support.”
“I’m truly grateful – leaving Tokyo with 2 more Olympic medals to add to my collection isn’t too shabby! 7 time Olympic medalist.
The 24-year-old US gymnast could have equaled women’s record of nine, but her pursuit of five golds came to a screeching halt has the ‘twisties’ struck her mid-air during her opening vault.
The disconnect between brain and body, with the consequent loss of spatial awareness, is a potentially lethal cocktail for a gymnast somersaulting at high velocity off a vault backwards.
Opening up about her comeback win behind Chinese duo Guan Chenchen and Tang Xijing, Simone told NBC, “(The bronze) means more than all the golds because I’ve been through so much the last five years and the last week while I’ve even been here.
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“It was just… It was very emotional,” she said. “And I’m just proud of myself and all of these girls as well.”
She added, “I didn’t really care about the outcome. I was so happy that I made the routine and then I got to compete one more time.”
Social media was abuzz with congratulatory wishes.
“Congratulations @Simone_Biles… the most important medal @Tokyo2020 @Olympics” tweeted Nadia Comaneci, who entered Olympic folklore at the 1976 Montreal Games with a ‘Perfect 10’ score.
“Not enough words to express how proud I am of you Simone!!!” coach Cecile Landi posted.
