First Olympic Gymnastics Athlete Expected to Sweep All 6 Events
Sudden Withdrawal Announcement Last Month
Overcoming Pressure to Achieve a 'Successful Finish'
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Simone Biles (24), a member of the U.S. national gymnastics team who was expected to make history by winning gold in six Olympic events but suddenly withdrew, won the bronze medal in her final competition. She overcame the pressure and ended on a high note. Audiences around the world gave Biles warmer applause than ever before.
According to major foreign media on the 3rd (local time), Biles won the bronze medal with a score of 14.000 in the women's gymnastics balance beam final held at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo the day before. With this, Biles added one silver medal (team event) and one bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, bringing her total Olympic medals to seven.
Known as the "legend of gymnastics," Biles was initially spotlighted as a favorite to win gold in six events, a first in Olympic gymnastics history. However, on the 27th of last month, after performing on vault in the women's team event, she suddenly announced her withdrawal. She subsequently forfeited the all-around, vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise events one after another.
On the 30th of last month, Biles confessed on her social media (SNS) about suffering from "twisties" and expressed the pressure she was under. Biles said, "After the qualifiers, I became confused," and admitted, "I can't compete because of the 'twisties'." The "twisties" is a type of mental disorder experienced by gymnasts where the body does not move as intended. Biles revealed, "I have never had this symptom for more than two weeks before, so this time it is really terrible," and added, "I am withdrawing from the competition to protect my body and mind."
In response to Biles' courageous confession, the world sent support and encouragement. Her sponsors also stated that they respect her decision. American pop star Justin Bieber sent a message of encouragement, saying, "If what you loved takes away your joy, it is important to distance yourself."
Overcoming the pressure, Biles returned to the stage after a week to continue her final challenge. Although she showed clear signs of nervousness, such as shaking legs in front of the balance beam, the audience gave her more enthusiastic applause than ever. Struggling to maintain balance and fighting with herself, Biles finally showed a bright smile after landing. She won the bronze medal behind China's Guan Chenchen (14.633 points) and Tang Xijing (14.233 points).
After the competition, Biles smiled more brightly than ever in an interview with reporters and said, "I am proud just to have overcome the pressure and stepped onto the stage," adding, "This bronze medal is much more precious than any medal I have ever won."
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