Simone Biles, Olympics, and Abuse of Chinese Athletes

Simone Biles of Team United States watches her team perform on bars after pulling out of the competition after only competing on the vault during the Women's Team Final on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo, Japan, on July 27, 2021. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Commentary

On July 28, Simone Biles, one of the most prolific female gymnasts of all time, withdrew from the Olympic games. Shortly after the 24-year-old’s announcement, USA Gymnastics released a statement. It read: “After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health.“ The organization ”wholeheartedly” supported her decision and applauded “her bravery in prioritizing her well-being.” Her courage, they insisted, “shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many.”