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Simone Biles withdraws from individual all-around final at Tokyo Olympics

She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether she'll participate in next week's individual event finals, USA Gymnastics said.
/ Source: NBC News

Simone Biles will officially not take part in the individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics.

USA Gymnastics confirmed Biles' decision in a statement early Wednesday morning, writing she will be focusing on her mental health.

In a shocking turn of events on Tuesday, Biles withdrew from the team gymnastic finals after stumbling her landing in her first rotation on the vault. Team USA was still able to secure silver after Jordan Chiles stepped in for Biles on the uneven bars. The Russian Olympic Committee took gold by 3.432 points — America's first loss in a global competition since 2010.

"Physically, I feel good, I'm in shape," Biles told Hoda Kotb exclusively on TODAY after her decision. "Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming here to the Olympics and being the head star isn't an easy feat, so we're just trying to take it one day at a time and we'll see."

USA Gymnastics' statement Wednesday added that Biles will be "evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week’s individual event finals."

"We 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," the statement concludes.

Jade Carey, who had the ninth highest score in qualifications, will participate in Biles' place in the all-around.

Earlier Tuesday, the organization said Biles' withdrawal from the team final was due to "a medical issue" and that the 24-year-old "will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."

In the wake of the news, celebrities, athletes and fans came to her defense.

"It takes the strength, power and bravery of a CHAMPION to put your health first. @Simone_Biles, we love you. Thank you," tweeted actor Kerry Washington.

"I can't imagine the pressure Simone has been feeling. Sending her SO much love. It easy to forget she's still human. WE LOVE YOU," fellow Olympian Adam Rippon wrote.

Swimmer Michael Phelps said on NBC late Tuesday that the "weight of gold" and pressure can be a lot to manage.

"It broke my heart," he said of Biles' announcement, adding he hopes this will be an "eye-opening experience" for the Olympic community.

"I hope this is an opportunity for us to jump on board, and to even blow this mental health thing even more wide open. It is so much bigger than we can ever imagine," he said.

Biles echoed his sentiments in her comments to the Associated Press.

"We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we're human, too," she said. "We have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do."