TOKYO — The biggest star of these Olympics came to the Ariake arena on Tuesday to compete, and left having done something no one expected: she stopped. Simone Biles, winner of four gold medals in Rio and the most decorated gymnast in the sport’s history, withdrew from the team final after a single vault, saying later that she had to protect her mental health.
Biles had planned an Amanar — two and a half twists — but completed only one and a half, landing low and stepping forward. She left the floor with a trainer, returned, and told her teammates she was done. The United States, without her, took silver behind the Russian team.
Speaking afterwards, the 24-year-old was candid about the weight she carries. She spoke of the pressure of being the face of the Games, of feeling that she was competing for other people rather than herself, and of wanting to take things day by day. Her participation in the rest of the Olympic programme, including the all-around final she has dominated for eight years, is now uncertain.
The decision lands in a sport still reckoning with its treatment of athletes. Biles is one of the survivors of the abuse of the former team doctor Larry Nassar, and has spoken before about the toll of remaining in a system that failed to protect her.
Reaction on Tuesday night was overwhelming in one direction: support. Athletes across sports praised the choice as courage, not weakness. Whether or not she competes again in Tokyo, Biles has already changed what these Games will be remembered for.
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