Simone Biles Reveals She “Burst Into Tears” After First Gold Over America Tour Show

Published 10/01/2021, 11:40 AM EDT

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Simone Biles recently opened up about her struggles during the Gold Over America Tour. Biles and an all-star team of gymnasts will be visiting different American cities to celebrate world-class gymnastics from September to November.

The team of Gold Over America proudly represents the sport of women’s gymnastics and inspires the next generation of athletes with their unity.

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I should have quit way before the Olympics: Simone Biles

The celebrity gymnast opened up about her struggles in an interview. The 24-year-old withdrew from the Olympics this year, saying that she wanted to prioritize her mental health.

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So much of a burden has been put on me and all this weight on my shoulder for just me to carry through this sport, and to like keep the fire in their butt to do the right thing, I should have quit way before the Olympics,said the 7-time Olympic medallist.

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Biles was greatly moved by the number of people who turned out at the show.

After the first show, they were like how did you feel? And I just burst into tears, I was very overwhelmed by the turnout of the crowd and how many people came to not only support me but the other girls in the Olympic team,” said Biles.

Didn’t want to risk the team a medal: Biles on withdrawing from the finals

Biles cited mental health to be the main reason why she backed out of the Tokyo Olympics. She knew her mental health put her at risk of injury.

During the qualifiers itself, Biles had realized that something major was off. It was time she stepped down and listened to the signs from her body.

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I knew it would be a little bit better to take a back seat, work on my mindfulness and I knew that the girls would do an absolutely great job. Didn’t want to risk the team a medal because of my screw up,” Biles told the reporters.

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No injury, thankfully. That’s why I took a step back. I didn’t want to do something silly out there and get injured.

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USA Gymnastics supported the decision of Biles, although it possibly meant one less medal for them.

We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being,” it said in a statement.

Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many.

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Needless to say, there’s been an outpour of support regarding her decision.

WATCH NOW: A case of the Twisties: What happened to Simone Biles at the Tokyo Olympics

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Written by:

Richa Goswami

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Richa Goswami is a US Sports writer at EssentiallySports. As an adherent learner, she uses her journalistic persona to navigate through new skills. Richa has completed her schooling at Don Bosco.
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