A couple of minutes after Simone Biles’ warm-up vault yesterday, she made her way out of the mats. By the time she came back, Team USA announced on Twitter that the gymnast pulled out of the Team All-around finals citing medical reasons.
Athletes and prominent figures sent their prayers and best wishes to Simone Biles on Twitter. Within an hour of the news breaking out, #SimoneBiles started trending on Twitter.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 16: Simone Biles of the United States competes during the Women’s Floor Final at Rio Olympic Arena on August 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Twitter supports Simone Biles
Athletes, former athletes, TV presenters, radio show hosts, and even the former First Lady showed their love for America’s greatest gymnast.
A great lesson to all of us:
Sometimes it’s OK to take a back seat, even at the most important meeting.#SimoneBiles#NaomiOsaka https://t.co/zxG1BGpRCt— Prof Nisreen Alwan 🌻 (@Dr2NisreenAlwan) July 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/itsafronomics/status/1420055746906103808?s=20
Knowing when to quit is a winning move. #SimoneBiles
— Maiah Ocando (@MaiahOcando) July 27, 2021
Simone Biles was the first person to walk across and congratulate the Russian Olympic Committee on their gold medal 🥇
That's class ❤https://t.co/1Blwgedmjf #bbcolympics #tokyo2020 #SimoneBiles https://t.co/DVAyerZyz0
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/CatSBouvier/status/1420203479327551488?s=20
Still the GOAT, forever the GOAT 🐐
We’re with you #SimoneBiles, we support you, we love you. Pass it on. pic.twitter.com/EEeBp7moTx
— Mychal (@mychal3ts) July 27, 2021
Grateful for the gift of #SimoneBiles and @naomiosaka who are clear examples for my daughters that excellence does NOT equal being a martyr. Àse 🙏🏾
— Khalilah M. Harris, EdD, JD (@Ed2BeFree) July 27, 2021
"It's been really stressful this Olympic games."
Simone Biles explains her withdrawal from the women’s gymnastics team final.#SimoneBiles pic.twitter.com/x5d6Nf3XDR
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 27, 2021
Today is not a day to lament Simone Biles' absence from the Olympic Team, it is to celebrate her presence on the planet: one that she makes better, one she brings beauty to, one that she does not need to hold up to be called a winner.https://t.co/Mi5dpSi16E#SimoneBiles #Simone
— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) July 27, 2021
We 👏 love 👏 to 👏 see 👏 it. 👏 #GOAT #SimoneBiles pic.twitter.com/L0zulxS5Bz
— Mental Health America (@MentalHealthAm) July 27, 2021
Simone Biles was pulled out of the women's gymnastics team final, but remained on the floor to cheer on her #TeamUSA teammates.#SimoneBiles pic.twitter.com/Jn2ulH5PAN
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 27, 2021
https://twitter.com/clockoutwars/status/1420010659119607814?s=20
It’s sad that people even feel they are positioned to question the choices #SimoneBiles makes about her mental and physical health.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 27, 2021
I am actually crying thinking about the pressure #SimoneBiles is put under. She is so incredibly talented and has persevered throughout her entire life. She deserves nothing but happiness. We love you Simone ❤️🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/xKvgw7vJ72
— Juliana (@julianahill17) July 27, 2021
All of the hate that @Simone_Biles is getting just shows that we have a long way to go in reducing the stigma of mental health. Had she broke her leg none of y’all would be saying anything. #SimoneBiles is the goat put respect on her name
— Michelle plummer (@michelleplummer) July 27, 2021
Simone Biles is the only Nassar abuse survivor still competing in the sport. She has pushed herself to her absolute limits physically, mentally and emotionally — not for USA gymnastics, but because she can. Nothing but love for the GOAT #SimoneBiles today and always. https://t.co/Xljn2hVZVu
— Marissa J. Lang ✍🏽🗞️ (@Marissa_Jae) July 27, 2021
I support #SimoneBiles
Athlete. Winner. Survivor.
— M. Belanger (@sethanikeem) July 27, 2021
We all can learn from #SimoneBiles. It’s ok to say you aren’t ok and take a breather. Also cheer on your team, while your on the bench. A hero we all need to represent. #USA #gymnastics #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/wOCCKstVlc
— SouthPaw (@jeremiahdgilfoy) July 27, 2021
#SimoneBiles is an icon. Truly the GOAT. But also human and deserves the same support from her country right now as she gets when she is collecting gold medals. Rest up, Simone! #Olympics pic.twitter.com/QaKoj1kzIM
— Madison Rayne (@MadisonRayne) July 27, 2021
We can all learn from #SimoneBiles, especially activists:
1. Stop when you're burnt out or unwell
2. Stop before you hurt yourself
3. Cheer on others doing the same work when you're not able to
4. Ignore the haters!She doesn't owe you or any of us anything. So proud of her:)
— Alexandria Villaseñor (@AlexandriaV2005) July 27, 2021
The idea that some believe that showing your vulnerabilities publicly is somehow ‘soft’ is just ridiculous. I’m so thankful that loved ones close to me helped me to get out of that way of thinking from my upbringing b/c it made me a better man #SimoneBiles
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) July 27, 2021
For those of us who daily fight our battles with mental health, #SimoneBiles is reminding us all that we are worth choosing: over obligation, over role, over expectation, over whatever it is that tells us we are second.#Simone https://t.co/Mi5dpSi16E
— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) July 27, 2021
When it comes to @Simone_Biles , can we all just pause a moment and take a beat. This is a decorated Olympic athlete, who has endure more pressure and expectations than almost anyone. #Tokyo2020 #SimoneBiles pic.twitter.com/Dhii6CME3T
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 28, 2021
#SimoneBiles is truly the GOAT, but four other letters surely apply too: HERO. https://t.co/x7mon2gfkS
— Angelique Jackson (@angelique814) July 27, 2021
"People who refuse to decimate their minds and bodies for my entertainment and pleasure are failures," is not the hot take you think it is.#SimoneBiles https://t.co/MnZr4v6UEC
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@QasimRashid) July 27, 2021
#SimoneBiles is carrying the entire nation on her back and representing USAG, an organization that failed her and untold others by letting Larry Nassar abuse young athletes for years. I'd say none of us are in a position to judge her actions on the mat. #Olympics pic.twitter.com/woaEUdenAH
— Dr. Jason Johnson (@DrJasonJohnson) July 27, 2021
“I didn't want to go into any of the other events not believing in myself.”
“So I thought it was better to take a step back and let these other girls do the job.
“And they did.” #SimoneBiles
– So many beautiful sermons in this statement.
— Reverend Jes Kast (@RevJesKast) July 28, 2021
Sending love to #SimoneBiles GOAT.
— Kelechi (@kelechnekoff) July 27, 2021
#SimoneBiles is the next athlete to set boundaries for her own mental health. 👏👏👏
I hope physicians out there are watching. If they can do this on the world’s stage, we should be able to stand up for ourselves locally.https://t.co/MWlQDNlbux
— Arghavan Salles, MD, PhD (@arghavan_salles) July 27, 2021
Simone Biles just took a stand for every little girl out there who has held back tears, pretended not to be injured, in pain, and mentally suffering, and had to put on a brave face and do just one more routine for their coach.
Thank you #SimoneBiles.
— Rachel Luba (レイチェル・ルーバ) (@AgentRachelLuba) July 28, 2021
You know what’s underrated?
Holding back.
We praise athletes all the time for putting in “1 more rep” or “playing when it hurts.”
Yet what #SimoneBiles did in withdrawing from the Finals took more strength & mental discipline than pushing ever could.
& that’s why she’s the 🐐
— Victoria Garrick Browne (@victoriagarrick) July 27, 2021
It’s not the medal count, it’s the mettle that counts. Whoa.#Olympics #SimoneStrong #SimoneBiles
— Ted Sperling (@Tsperlz) July 28, 2021
Watch out – keyboard warrior Cassidy doesn't have to work until 2pm Tokyo time and is READY to battle anyone who's upset with #SimoneBiles today. pic.twitter.com/UOlcmlgJOy
— Cassidy Quinn (@CassidyQuinn) July 28, 2021
the audacity some people have to tell a 6X Olympic medalist what SHE should have done… 🤣 come on now #SimoneBiles #Olympics
— Victoria Garrick Browne (@victoriagarrick) July 28, 2021
Very few people who have ever walked this planet have even an inclination of what it’s like to be #SimoneBiles
She deserves nothing but gratitude and support. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LByIfjvHEl
— Dr. Dave Stukus (@AllergyKidsDoc) July 28, 2021
Simone Biles: "I'm sorry. I love you guys, but you're gonna be just fine."
"You guys have trained your whole entire life for this, it's fine. I've been to an Olympics, I'll be fine. This is your first — you go out there and kick ass, okay?" pic.twitter.com/r2RxWQ2Dsy
— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) July 27, 2021
we love you and we are with you 🇺🇸 @Simone_Biles
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 27, 2021
Bravo @naomiosaka and @Simone_Biles You are showing such courage in speaking out for ALL young athletes who experience nerves, stress, expectations and pressure. This is a very profound moment in sports. Thank you.
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) July 28, 2021
.@Simone_Biles drew a boundary for herself and her health on the world stage. This is real superhuman strength, setting an example for all of us.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) July 27, 2021
Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the the silver medal, Team @USA! 🎊
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 28, 2021
If I were ever suddenly physically unable to perform my duties on the bridge of the Enterprise, despite being an experienced Star Fleet helmsman, the best thing I could do for my *crew is check myself into Sick Bay. That would be the right thing to do for all.#SimoneBiles
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 28, 2021
Michael Phelps discussing Simone is what we all need to hear. This is coming from greatest Olympic athlete of all time. #Phelps #Simone #MentalHealthMatters pic.twitter.com/VFkyZkNrdE
— Dan Johnson (@DanDanoDeege) July 28, 2021
Is it that hard to be supportive and empathetic to what others are going through? This is someone’s daughter and her health your referring to. Wonder if he has kids and how he would feel as a parent someone talking about his kids this way. Cause I’d be DAMNED. Simone is a hero! https://t.co/kJWnXK2tlk
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 28, 2021
I’ve been thinking of #SimoneBiles all day. So very sorry she wasn’t feeling her best.
She showed true leadership in taking herself out of competition in order for her team to have a chance to medal. Sending her and the team love & support.
Congratulations to #TeamUSA! 🥈
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 27, 2021
Biles received support from the world over, praising her decision. Now, the world will wait and watch to see if she will be ready to return and take part in the Individual events and silence all her haters.
Biles has always been and will continue to be a role model for all young aspiring athletes. She has set the standards that will be followed for years to come. i.e. to prioritize your own well-being over everything else.
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