US gymnast Simone Biles makes mistake in Tokyo 2020 trials, internet defends her

Trials to
determine the final US women’s gymnastics team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were
conducted on Sunday night. And Simone Biles, the most decorated American
gymnast and one of the greatest of all times, cemented her spot in the team as
she won the two-day trials.

However, Biles – who is favourite to become the first woman in 50 years to defend her Olympic
title – made some uncharacteristic errors during the trials. The 24-year-old
made a mistake on the uneven bars following which, the mics caught her saying “I
want to die”.  

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Her mistake
and reaction set the internet abuzz, with fans on Twitter defending her and
urging her to not let it affect her confidence.

Here are
some reactions:

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Apart from
Biles, Sunisa Lee – who actually finished ahead of Biles in Sunday’s all-around
competition – also sealed her spot in the Tokyo 2020 team. Jordan Chiles is
also expected to be named in the final team, giver her consistency over the past
year.

That left
one last spot in the four-woman team, which is the overwhelming favourite to
win a third Olympic team gold in a row.