"It was too much," Biles said of enduring years of media coverage of disgraced former team doctor Larry Nassar. "But I was not going to let him take something I've worked for since I was 6 years old."
The former gymnast was instrumental in bringing serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar to justice. She says the gymnastics industry still has abusers and a system rife with problems.
NPR's team in Tokyo put together our favorite moments of the Games, where participants showed their athleticism, sportsmanship, and what motivated them to compete.
"We are so excited to confirm that you will see two U.S. athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow - Suni Lee AND Simone Biles!!" USA Gymnastics said. Biles has withdrawn from other events.
Skinner was tapped to compete in the vault individual final after Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast in the world, withdrew from the competition to focus on her mental health.
"Simone has withdrawn from the event final for floor and will make a decision on beam later this week," USA Gymnastics said. "Either way, we're all behind you, Simone."
"After further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars," USA Gymnastics said.
This competition was initially defined by who wasn't competing. U.S. star Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all time and the heavy favorite to win, pulled out to take care of her mental health.
"the outpouring love & support I've received has made me realize I'm more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before," Biles said in a tweet.
You don't need a gold medal to justify putting your mental health first. Whether you or someone you know is struggling, NPR's Life Kit has a few ways for you to focus on your mental wellbeing.
After her surprise withdrawal from the gymnastics team final at the Tokyo Olympics, the star American gymnast amplified recent statements that the immense stress she faces has been affecting her.
U.S. star Simone Biles' departure from competition was a devastating blow for her three teammates, who are all first-time Olympians. She was expected to compete on all four apparatuses.
Chiles had been slated to compete in just two events in the team final: vault and floor. But with Biles out of the competition, she was suddenly competing on the balance beam and uneven bars too.
A few stumbles from U.S. gymnasts – including from star Simone Biles – allowed Russia's team to take the lead. The U.S. is the heavy favorite. Russia came out one point ahead with the total team score
