Olympic-Sized Withdrawal: Biles’ Decision To Bow Out
THE ISSUE: Simone Biles opting to take herself out of team competition at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
World-record gymnast and gold-medalist Simone Biles withdrew from competition in Tokyo, presumably because of the emotional toll of expectations from herself and Olympic fans (“Simone Biles’ shocking twist in Olympics,” July 28).
She was already considered the greatest female gymnast of all time. Her attempts at performing near perfectly were a big letdown she could not recover from. Much of the pressure comes from athletes performing on levels previously unknown to human athletes.
There are human limits, and the stress and pressure is growing ever greater to exceed them. With that comes a greater possibility of injury and mental depression.
Biles will always be a champion. She knew when it was time to walk away.
Manny Martin
Manhattan
After a less-than-stellar performance on her vault, Biles removed herself from further competition, citing her “not being in the right frame of mind” to compete. I’m sure that all her teammates empathized with her plight.
But my sympathies go to the unfortunate first-alternate woman who spent her entire childhood honing her skills to
be in the Olympics, only to be denied a spot because there was no room for her. I wonder if she empathizes with Biles.
Jack Kaufman
Naples, Fla.
My heartfelt prayers go out to Biles. At the Tokyo Olympics, she had to bow out of the gymnastics competitions in which she would have participated.
She has shown a tremendous amount of ability in gymnastics in the past and might have received a gold medal.
Biles is one of a kind and has shown pride, dedication and loyalty to her fellow team members, and the media should respect her decision to deal with her metal health. As such, let’s pray for her recovery.
Frederick Bedell
Bellerose
Certainly one has to feel sorry for Biles, who could not deal with the pressure.
However, she’s been training all her life for this Olympic moment.
I ask, what makes one quit and abandon your teammates in this situation? Did her hard work and years of training not condition her to deal with this stressful situation?
It’s key to mention that her teammate, Suni Lee, won the gold and bailed Biles out. Simone should be eternally grateful to her, as this removes a ton of pressure and potential flak.
David J. Smith
Edgewater, NJ
Biles, like Naomi Osaka, raises serious issues regarding competition. Competition requires mental toughness. Both Osaka and Biles have received wealth, fame and glory because of excellence in their respective sports.
Part of their training, however, should prepare them for the inevitable defeat in competition.
True champions reflect on what happened after a loss, train harder and go on to compete again. It is indeed rare for anyone to go undefeated in life. That should be the true message sent by these magnificent athletes.
Mel Young
Boca Raton, Fla.
Amidst all the fanfare and hoopla, Biles was unable to complete her turn as America’s gymnast.
No doubt she saw the superiority of the Russian gymnasts and headed for the exits to save face and her multimillion-dollar endorsement deals.
This all serves as a metaphor for how far as a country the United States has slipped and continues to slip.
Ron Spura
Manhattan
You’ll never know what’s in a person’s heart, but there are two ways to look at the Simone Biles saga.
She said the reason she stepped back during the Olympics was mental, not physical.
She’s been there many times before and should of been able to cope with the pressure of the moment.
Maybe she just isn’t as good as she was. She should have competed and not let down her teammates.
JR Cummings
Manhattan