How Africa News
American gymnastics star, Simone Biles, will be returning to the 2020 Olympics competition a week after withdrawing from the women’s gymnastics team finals.
As announced by the USA Gymnastics verified Twitter account on Monday, Biles alongside teammate Suni Lee will be competing at the balance beam final on Tuesday
“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!! Can’t wait to watch you both!” The tweet read.
Biles, 24, had withdrawn from the team finals last week Tuesday, due to medical concerns. She further pulled out from the all-around competition on Thursday night citing concerns for her mental health and physical safety.
She was however present at the competition to cheer fellow teammate Suni Lee, who became the fifth consecutive American to win the Olympic gold title in the event.
Biles who won four gold medals at the 2016 Olympics, as well as bronze at the balance beam event, said she developed what is known as the “twisties” in gymnastics.
In now-deleted videos on her Instagram page, the gymnast had demonstrated how the twisties stopped her from performing her very technical manoeuvres at the vault competition on Tuesday night, thus making her withdraw from the other competitions to protect her from potential injuries.
“It’s honestly petrifying, trying to do a skill but not having your mind and body in sync.” she wrote in an Instagram post.
Biles has since Tuesday received overwhelming support from the athletic community, and also praises for championing a conversation around mental health for athletes.
