?A Win in Itself?- Simone Biles Fires Back at Haters Calling Her Tokyo Olympics Appearance a Failed Attempt

Simone Biles sent shock waves around the world when she pulled out from multiple events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The four-time Olympic champion says that she thinks making that choice was a victory for her.

The gymnast has been away from the sport ever since, and there has been no update on her return to active competition.

Simone Biles’ Thoughts on the Withdrawal

At the Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from four events out of 5, only taking part in the Balance Beam event. She ended up winning the Bronze medal in the same, as team USA took home the Silver Medal.

Recently, at the 43rd Annual Simmons Leadership Conference, Simone Biles spoke with Bren? Brown about the withdrawal.

“Walking away from the Olympic Games was a win in itself. I know a lot of people thought I failed because they expected me to go out with five or six medals, but walking out of it was my biggest win,”?said Biles, “I had to put myself into consideration for one of the first times throughout my career. Most of the time, I’ve always put myself on the back burner, because I’ve always cared and thought about everybody else before myself.”? [h/t people.com]

Biles also added that she considered pushing forward to compete even whilst grappling with the Twisties. It is a disorienting condition that causes gymnasts to lose air awareness. But ultimately, Simone decided it would be selfish of her to put her team’s medal contention into doubt.

The decision also meant that Biles would put herself in jeopardy.?The gymnast also took this opportunity to recount, noticing that something was off as she and her teammates arrived in Tokyo.

ALSO READ: ?I Really Appreciate Simone Biles?: Usain Bolt Praises US Gymnast for Being Brave at Tokyo Olympics 2020

What is Biles doing now?

With one of the most decorated gymnastics careers, winning 32 medals in the Olympics and the World Championships, Biles is taking some time off to relax. She is currently engaged to NFL star, Jonathan Owens. Biles is often seen attending her fiance’s games.

After the success of the ‘Gold Over America’ tour, she has also become a prominent advocate for women in the sport. She has since been spending time with her family and friends.

WATCH: Simone Biles Took Approval From This Person to Start Dating Her Boyfriend Jonathan Owens