TOKYO — Simone Biles is opting not to defend her Olympic vault title, pulling out of Sunday’s event finals for the vault and uneven bars while she focuses on her mental health.
The six-time Olympic medalist removed herself from competition during the team finals on Tuesday and sat out Thursday’s all-around final as well. Biles said on social media Friday that she is dealing with what is defined as “the twisties”: the sudden inability to feel comfortable while twisting in midair.
Biles, 24, said she has battled the issue before but typically only when it comes to vault and floor exercise.