Simone Arianne Biles will be kicking off her Paris Olympics 2024 campaign at the US Classics next month. As the expectations are sky-high from the US gymnast, one cannot help but look back at her controversial Tokyo Olympics withdrawal. Back in 2021, Biles was reigning supreme until she got her ‘twisties’. Speaking about the same, Biles explained that it was a rare mental phenomenon. Under such circumstances, an athlete can lose perception of space and time in midair. 

In what was a shock exit, Simone Biles backed out of the all-around final of Team USA, citing mental health concerns. Although this might have been a move for the good of Biles, critics were not very impressed. Personalities like Piers Morgan lashed out at the US gymnast, even calling her a “coward.” 

Piers Morgan slammed Simone Biles for her mental health issues 

For Piers Morgan, the virtue of keeping the show going in tumultuous times proves the character of an athlete. Morgan criticized Biles backing out and termed her as a letdown for her country, fans, and team. He also went ahead and stated that, as an athlete, one should not take pride in quitting merely for not enjoying the sport. However, such an opinion from Morgan made the fans label him as a “hypocrite”. 

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They referred to the incident when Morgan left a live recording for being questioned about Meghan Markle. Unfazed by the criticism, Morgan immediately responded by saying, “Oddly, they didn’t think ME quitting was as brave, heroic and inspiring as Ms Biles quitting! But here’s the thing: they were right, and I was wrong. It WAS gutless and cowardly of me to walk off.” 

Apart from Morgan, several other noted personalities like Charlie Kirk, of the Charlie Kirk Show, got back at Biles too. Venting out his anger on the US gymnast, Kirk called Biles a “shame to the country”. However, amidst the storm of heated controversies, Biles did find some support to calm her nerves. 

Biles received heartwarming support from teammates and others

After winning the second position, fellow Team USA star Jordan Chiles was all praises for Biles. Dedicating the medal to Simone Biles, Chiles stated, “This medal is definitely for her, because if it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now.” Her morale was further boosted by words of support from the former US first lady, Michelle Obama. Actress Kerry Washington too, empathized with Biles. 

And now, with just months to go before the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles seemed to have put her demons behind her. She is coming off a refreshing vacation with her husband in Hawaii. While training vigorously at the gym currently, Biles will definitely eye to stamp her authority and wipe off the alleged reds off her ledger.