Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic gold medal in the women's all-around competition on Thursday (July 29).
"After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition," USA Gymnastics announced in a statement on Wednesday (July 28). "We wholeheartedly support Simone's decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many."
Simone's decision to withdraw from the all-around individual competition came one day after she withdrew from the gymnastics all-around team final due to mental health concerns.
"I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being," she said at a press conference following Team USA's silver finish. "We have to protect our body and our mind [...] It just sucks when you're fighting with your own head." She added, "[We're] not just athletes, we're people at the end of the day."
Simone also said she would take it "one day at a time" regarding how planned to proceed with the Games. It has not yet been announced if the world-class gymanst plans to compete in any other individual event finals.
Fellow Team USA Olympian Jade Carey will replace Simone in the all-around final on Thursday. She will join Team USA's Suni Lee.