Dominique Moceanu offers insight into Simone Biles' battle

[@Leelz247]

Don’t forget that USA Gymnastics looked the other way while girls were being sexually abused just because they wanted medals and didn’t care to investigate further. Time to turn a new chapter where priority is on health. If she did those high flying acrobatics and mentally wasn’t there, her loss of focus could have gotten her injured or paralyzed or worse.

[@michaelpatrick7888]

most good gymnasts like simone would k n o w when and where they are in space most of the time but who knows what went thru her head,,,,she looked a bit nervous during tumbling warm ups but maybe she did right thing and maybe we are not able to determine that bc only we know ourselves the best,....good luck simone ur great regardless...

[@timluke8933]

Are you saying in the global standard of gymnastics that Simone quit because of her fear of rape. Cause if that's the case why would any intelligent body compete, and quit at the same time.

[@faith2xxx]

@@timluke8933 You chose to totally ignore everything else he said and decided instead to focus on rape, and then made a sarcastic remark about that.

[@faith2xxx]

@@michaelpatrick7888 You're right. She did say during that vault she didn't know where she was as she was executing the move.

[@TheGecko213]

Blame Dr Nasser for this beech losing her nerve ?

[@mdooms76]

Only someone who has physically and actually been there in Simone's position can speak for what she's going through. Not all these judgmental Couch Potatoes sitting at home calling her a quitter and a failure as if they can measure up to one lick of her success. The team did better without her.

[@carish1452]

@joe smath If a pitcher suddenly starts having a mental block in training his curveballs, media are asking him daily during competition on foreign soil, about that time some trainer fondled him in therapy and how his mom’s in prison, he almost dislocates his arm, so starts throwing with his other arm, the one he tore a ligament in 2 years ago…yeah that arm. And he can’t be sure he’s not going to drop dead from the pain and that mental block. And his entire team knows they aren’t going to lose AND his team doctor sits him out after thorough evaluations, the next best pitcher on the team steps up and they win by 3 points instead of a landslide no hitter, is that pitcher a quitter?

[@doctordarcy8385]

@joe smath She didn't "quit" -- she was literally incapable of doing the skills she could normally do, on the day of the Team Final. It's a mental block, and it happens quite frequently in gymnastics. It doesn't matter how badly your mind wants you to do it -- your body will not do it, and it is not recoverable within a few hours. It can take weeks. She reported that she could not even do a full-in, in her morning workout, which is basically curtains for the rest of her routines that are heavily dependent on higher level twisting skills (Amanar, Triple Double, Double Double, the Biles I on floor, etc). By sitting out, she spared the team having to count her low scores. She absolutely did the right thing -- she didn't take a spa day -- she saved the team from a worse fate, and she saved herself from injury.

[@kvernon1]

@@doctordarcy8385 With all due respect, you (and MANY others) all have this assumption that Simone was guaranteed to get hurt if she continued. There is simply no way to know in advance what would have happened if she chose to continue, so you cannot make that claim. Another assumption you (and MANY others) claim is that she did this for the team. Again, we don't know that for sure. She very well may have done this solely to spare herself potential embarrassment on a world stage. Nobody knows the motives behind her decision to leave except Simone herself. All we can do is speculate.

[@doctordarcy8385]

@@kvernon1 With all due respect, I have been involved with gymnastics for the past 25 years, and understand the sport well. In morning workout she could not even do a full-in. That is an incredibly basic skill for Biles, and speaks volumes as to where her head was at. She had a case of the "twisties" -- a term that is used in gymnastics when your body will not cooperate, due to a mental block. You are disoriented in the air, and don't know up from down. It's DANGEROUS. On her Amanar, she had no idea where she was in the air, and could have very well landed on her head. The fact that she even landed a 1.5TY while being lost, is incredible. The US had to count a 13.7 score due to Simone's vault, and that was far lower than what they were expecting. Biles absolutely made the right decision in a 3-up, 3-count scenario, since she essentially had no routines, if she couldn't twist. It spared the team poor scores, and it spared her from a potential injury.

[@xavieraboltiador1958]

@@carish1452 lol. Please dont bring up her past as an excuse. You people are reaching. Its like she can't even be criticized the way other athletes are criticized. Hope Sunisa takes all of her endorsement deals. Sunisa deserves it

[@sodapoplove95]

Simone just looked tired during her competitions at the Olympics. Clearly something was going on. Its best to call it quits before getting hurt. Plus, the other 3 on the team are highly talented. It probably helped the team for Simone to step back.

[@chrisgonzales4420]

@kopper true plus I believe they have some downtime after the Olympics to pretty much relax and recover from all that training. After having to train another year she probably just hit her breaking point and I can respect that.

[@aliensoup2420]

Its best to call it before entering Olympic trials. It's too late during competition. Get your head on straight or stay home. Everybody else had no problem. She's the GOAT, she should know how to handle it by now.

[@ml734]

Silver medal is much much better than none .

[@ml734]

@@aliensoup2420 but she has all the arsenal to win 4 gold for 🇺🇸.

[@CHUBIBO143]

THATS WHY THERES A RESERVE MEMBERNOF THE TEAM IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENED ... ITS SIMONE DECISION ...

[@REChronic54]

Since we have other gymnasts and former gymnasts who completely agree and sympathize with Biles, I just don't get why americans can't do the same.

[@teleguy5699]

Because we are becoming terrible people with social media. Decorum is just a memory.

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

Brutal but easy answer: what Suni said notwithstanding, athletes don't exist in their own isolated world; they are PART of the whole, part of their nation and people.... those who MADE it possible for the athletes, in the first place, to "go for your dreams" (the financial supports, directly and indirectly, from the athletes local communities, from businesses, from organizers and coaches, etc). When people are VESTED in your life, in your activities, in your livelihood, in your trials and tribulations --- ALL OF WHICH YOU NEED (since you, again, don't exist in total isolation) --- they DO have the right to voice their opinions, both positively and negatively. If you don't want people to judge you, or to praise you... you should NOT be an athlete or anyone whose activities are DISPLAYED in front of people, for their enjoyment and for their support. You should, instead, go live alone in isolation, in some place NO OTHER HUMANS could play a part in your life. And I've known individuals having done that. They don't give a ph---- what others think, since they are in total isolation, 24/7 for years and decades.... But if you want the adoration of the masses, the rewards that come with high stakes activities... you don't, then, turn around and say: sorry, you people don't get to say nothing whatsoever. I've done everything by myself, for myself: I grow my own food, weave my own clothes, train myself, do activities for myself.... none of this is for you, so you don't get to judge me... Sorry, but that is NOT real life...

[@maddiejohnson8990]

@@kiabtoomlauj6249 you’re sitting here criticizing Simone when you probably can’t even do a cartwheel. Simone has accomplished so much in her career. She has reached a difficulty in gymnastics that nobody else has. You’re probably not even a gymnast. Don’t try to shame Simone for putting her mental health first and not risking injury. You don’t understand that bc Simone was not in the right mindset she could’ve ended up paralyzed. She is at too much of a high difficulty to make mistakes so she pulled out. Since you wanna talk sm bs about her, how about you go out there and compete. Also her teammates literally backed her up as well as a lot of other elite gymnasts and other athletes. People like you just feel the need to spread hate and make it seem like Simone is a terrible person.

[@jilpok1074]

Because shallow heartless people be couch surfing thinking that Simone owes them something as if she was an expendable circus animal.

[@jilpok1074]

@@kiabtoomlauj6249 So… great athletes who don’t like being the circus animal of the public eye for rotten people like you should just avoid being athletic and lose games on purpose because ….um…you said so? Tell that to Naomi Osaka. Athletes are not circus animals. You need to learn respect.

[@LelandTilden]

*Dominique Moceanu* is a good person to be talking to about it. She went through a ton in her life, too, and she was an *incredible gymnast*

[@MrDuds1984]

The story about her and her long lost sister which became public is fascinating

[@LelandTilden]

@@MrDuds1984 right!? Like how crazy is that

[@CaneFu]

A friend of mine was a gymnast who broke his neck while training and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair; he recently died due to complications from paralysis. It's time for Simone to retire before she gets hurt and enjoy the rest of her life.

[@Sarahle3]

Hopefully, if she keeps listening to her body and knowing her (extremely high, but existing) limits, she won't have to retire anytime soon, because she'll step back BEFORE getting badly hurt, as she did yesterday.

[@destinyhamlin5920]

I think we should let her come to the conclusion to retire or not.

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

@joe smath I think that's all people are saying, whether they are supporters or detractors. As an athlete, you need to know your limits. You shouldn't do it for OTHERS. Why allowed yourself to feel like you're carrying the weight of the nation, or the world, on your shoulders, when you don't have to feel that way? All she had to do was simply say, to herself and her coaches and America: guys, I have done it all. I don't need to prove to anyone, any thing. I will simply allow others to go for their dreams, as I had with mine... and let it go! If she HAD DONE that, the whole nation, all the elite girls who're competing for a spot for the first and likely the last time in this brutal sport.... all would have lifted their hands and thanked her... But if you're going to "go for it, again"... you are telling yourself and others you STILL have a "point to prove." You can't straddle two fences at once. You either have a point to prove and go for it or you don't, and allow others to try their hands. But if you have a point to prove and GO FOR IT, you don't, then, say in the middle of the game, "I don't have to prove anything to anyone and I can just quit whenever and wherever..." An elite athlete JUST DOESN'T DO THAT to his/her TEAMMATES in the middle of a TEAM competition.... let's not walk on egg shells or obfuscate the situation by bringing in a REAL issue like mental health... those two things do exist mutually... In an INDIVIDUAL sport or in an individual event, you could do whatever you want, whenever and wherever, yes... since that decision impacts only one person: you. But again in a team sport, your decision impacts the whole team, which, then impacts the whole supporting system the team relies on (financially, athletically, physically, mentally, etc). Again, it is because MENTAL HEALTH is so important that individuals MUST know their limits, even someone as unsurpassed as Biles, in the sport of gymnastics.

[@ToOpen6seven]

Wow, so sorry.

[@tanyanguyen3704]

@joe smath you have literally no idea what you are talking about. Perhaps she felt fine the days and weeks before. Perhaps she didn’t. Perhaps she thought she could fight through the fear. Perhaps she didn’t. But until or unless you are in her shoes, you can f the f right off with your opinion about what she did and who it was for.

[@andreabryan9710]

I was watching the Simone Biles’ routines before the US trials and during the trials I said I hope she does not hurt herself one day. To my relief she instinctively knew that she should no longer put herself through such dangerous feats for the sport. I did not know about the twisties but I know that your brain has a way of calculating risk and will let you know when it’s time to stop. Kudos to her for listening to her inner voice.

[@sandymandy8474]

She lost her sense of orientation in mid air. It’s a loss of balance known as “The twisties”. Humans get their sense of balance from the vestibular system located inside the inner ear. This was already demonstrated, and all gymnasts experience a temporary loss of orientation, similar to air pilots who can’t tell the difference between the sky and the surface. It’s sudden and can last days, even weeks, or more! The body can’t live without the mind. These are death defying stunts gymnasts perform, so keep it classy.

[@tracygarrett3952]

Yeah, she choked and this is what happened next.

[@mht4908]

I've never experienced twisties before, but from what I tried out in diving, you really have to know where you are in the air to at least not hit the water on your butt. When I tried doing a front pike for the first time in the 1m board, I had no idea where I was (due to inexperience and no prior training) and it was so scary. Obviously this is no comparison to what Simone and all the gymnasts are doing, but had Simone tried to continue, she probably would've been the second Julissa Gomez or Sang Lan

[@astrinymris9953]

"Remember Simone Biles is human" is a sentence that shouldn't *need* to be said, but tragically some people weighing in on the controversy can't seem to keep it in mind.

[@hamsandwichindahouse]

The Russians who won gold were also human. The people who win are always human. Humans are known to compete against one another and those who can control their human emotions and concentrate with their human brains win those competitions. Sometime we have entire events where humans celebrate these competitions. The Olympic is an example of where all humans celebrate humans competing.

[@mattingray5651]

We are all human. Pretty sure people goes through the tough time of their life sometimes (maybe not extreme like the Olympics), but they must move forward, no option to quit.

[@enriquepmayen1699]

@@hamsandwichindahouse why do you act like she didn’t win 4 gold medals 5yrs ago in Rio, something obvious wasn’t ok, and as someone who did gymnastics before just know that it an incredibly dangerous sport.

[@Rockscissorspaper]

@@mattingray5651 Thankfully the Olympics isn't life, then. There is an option to quit when it comes to sports, if that is what's needed.

[@Emileigggggh]

As someone with ADHD, knowing Simone also has it, I can imagine the lack of a crowd also transferring to less dopamine. Sometimes background noise can really help us focus in some situations, so I can totally see how it could be extra jarring if you go from being used to so much noise in those situations to then feeling off without it. I feel like there might be more going on as well, but I don't want to speculate too much into her own personal life. I just really hope she's okay. We're there for her when she has great days, we should be there for her when she has off ones too!

[@dustierbottoms]

Genuine question…there’s a rumor that Japan confiscated or didn’t allow any of the athletes to have their adhd meds. Everyone is telling me the mental is just as vital as the physical in sports which I wholeheartedly agree. So how are adhd meds not a banned substance? I hear about younger kids taking it to score better on tests. Is it not performance enhancing? Should everyone of simone biles records/wins that she used the meds have an *? The Olympic committee or whatever body that dictates banned substances need to address this issue since mental health is front and center.

[@Emileigggggh]

@@dustierbottoms It sounds like people who have ADHD are allowed to use it, but I don't know if they can use them in Japan, I've heard conflicting reports. ADHD meds affect people with ADHD very very differently than people who don't have it. I don't think it's an unfair advantage as much as an accommodation, and in some ways I could see it being detrimental to people without adhd since it causes heart rate issues and jitters, and with something so physical like gymnastics, I think it would cause more issues in someone without adhd. But I am interested in how the IOC and doping agency handle that

[@dustierbottoms]

@@Emileigggggh there were people I knew that didn’t have adhd use meds for taking big tests or the SATs in school. I never tried it. But supposedly it helps them focus, block out noise, and be able to concentrate easier. That shouldn’t be allowed in competitive sports. I shouldn’t be allowed in school either lol.

[@swearnim]

Yeah and also she doesn't have her parents and Her boyfriend to support her there. So that added insult to the injury

[@GFTCNJ]

She was performing poorly, lacked leadership skills and quit

[@richardcoreno]

Look at what happened to Tony Horton -- a promising MLB career shattered in a "never talk about it" era where he was back on the field less than one week after a suicide attempt inside his car parked outside the hotel that housed most Cleveland players during the regular season......and while strides have been made in pro sports for dealing with mental health hurdles, there still needs to be a lot of work done in the various leagues and organizations.

[@greymatters7039]

OMG I had no idea Tony Horton dealt w/ self harm thoughts or that he played sports. I just thought he was the cool P90X guy who never ages. 🤷‍♀️

[@jackeroo75]

Unfortunately, we live in a simulated world and some things we can never prevent,

[@hamsandwichindahouse]

I’m in total agreement that all the weak competitors should step aside and give the non weak competitors an opportunity to compete. Preferably befor the big game. Not in the middle of it. Please.

[@greymatters7039]

Google “Twisties”. Apparently it’s a real thing for Gymnasts. Simone said she couldn’t get her body to connect w/ her mind so it’s more than not having a “cheer section”. The REAL question is; WHY ISN’T SIMONE’S EXPLANATION ENOUGH? Why does Dominique Moceanu need referencing when SIMONE BILES already explained her condition? 🙄

[@sobersalt7579]

@@hamsandwichindahouse stfu 🤣

[@dianelake7802]

Simone's family has always been there during competitions. They have been her rock, her strength. She has said when her nerves get to her she looks in the stands and sees her parents and is able to focus and center herself. They are not there. Her strength is taken away. Now she has to face the nerves, unbelievable pressure, and the expectations of the world sitting there in her head and her family cannot be there to help see her through

[@AquaCarb]

If family is the issue, they why not put card board cutouts of them in the stands?

[@KA-eu9sy]

We're justifying her quitting? All the athletes should quit then, none of them have their parents in the stands!

[@anonymousanonymous9680]

@@KA-eu9sy You better STFU until all you freaking trolls walk in these athelic shoes. It's so easy for people to cast stones when they themselves has never experienced mishaps. This reminds me of people who never experienced homelessness and past judgement on the ones who have experienced it. At least Ms. Biles had the common sense to know what was best for her and her team. BTW, I refuse to call Ms. Biles a quiter. After all; if she was a quiter, she wouldn't have been able to win as many medals as she has. What have you trolls accomplish besides sitting on the sidelines throwing rocks? Can't hear you. Just as i though. So very proud of your accomplishments Simone. May GOD continue to uplift you and be with you. You're still great. Love to you Simone.

[@terridactyl5152]

Gotta grow up and be an adult someday.

[@jeanettewalker3315]

@@anonymousanonymous9680 I pray that Simone Biles will be able to do what's best for her and her Team Members.❣️❣️❣️❣️🤗

[@hotdognobun]

The first thing that needs to be done is no more press conferences.

[@pipes3]

Yes, and secondly we should just stop reporting on all sports completely so all these athletes remain anonymous and can't cash in on their celebrity anymore.

[@russellsmith8300]

Yessssss speak. I felt they went in on her in the interview which made things worse. Now we lost her for the all around too

[@ajgerbi]

pipes / I can’t tell if you’re joking or not.

[@agreshshun5443]

I've always wondered how mentally straining it must be for athletes to have to deal with press conferences or just reporters in general, especially after a bad loss. Sometimes people just don't want to talk about it. They know they messed up. They don't want to harp on it, but if they don't do the press conferences, they're berated as "rude" or "unsportsmanlike."

[@russellsmith8300]

@joe smath her reasoning made sense. U just didn’t like it.

[@danasuperstar]

It’s an interesting thought, as US gymnasts are always trained in arenas and crowds to simulate the pressure of the Olympics. The trials in Houston was in front of a record size crowd. But this year, massive crowds did not reflect the Olympic atmosphere. Maybe they should have been training WITHOUT crowds. It can be very unsettling to be in complete silence with every move you make. The US team should have been psychologically checking in on the women, it seems they did a poor job of this.

[@saxpoobielex7769]

Good point. I hope the committee knows this and in the future consider small details like this, because it can make a big difference. Also family being at every competition and then not.

[@maroonhorizon1693]

I agree. Seems like Simone had too much alone time with him thoughts

[@faith2xxx]

It doesn't mean they did a poor job. Simone was the only veteran on this team, therefore it's understandable why she would feel the pressure more, especially with the focus being on not just as a gymnast, but for the entire games. In 2016, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas were there with her, therefore the pressure was not as great. Add to that the pressure she placed on herself. COVID-19 didn't help because after the games were postponed last year, she did say it threw things off for her mentally and she wasn't sure she would be competing after that.

[@danasuperstar]

@throughthefire Simone had all the pressure on her. The committee didn't think about the pressure on Simone. It was too much weight on Simone, so maybe the US committee will learn a lesson for next time.

[@LoyaFrostwind]

Interesting thought. It wasn’t until the last couple of weeks before the Olympics that Japan made the final decision against spectators.

[@trav-c137]

forced press conferences need to be banned. I bet it has a lot to do with athletes anxiety.

[@david_fl507]

ok naomi.

[@trav-c137]

@@hamsandwichindahouse stfu little girl who gets no attention and has zero clue about pressure and expectations. they ask the same questions anyway

[@minnesota7010]

Face your fears

[@fantastischfish]

It’s the sadness in her eyes that kills me. We never know the pain someone is hiding inside. She was so brave for making that decision when the pressure was on for her to continue. She’s a legend of gymnastics, but ironically her decision to NOT compete and protect her mental well-being might just be an even better legacy she can give to the sport.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

Agree completely!!!🥺💕

[@klassyk1094]

Don't let them get into your head. You're human. We all have bad days. No one is perfect not even them. You made it there, and you've won many medals. Take care of YOURSELF!!!!

[@chocolateraisin1266]

💯

[@AJLovesMC12]

@joe smath you’re besides the point. She is literally emphasizing how dangerous this sport can be when you’re not in the right mindset. It’s like telling someone to drive right after a car accident. She clearly was experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety which translated to her being off her game. Proceeding further could have led to much worse. Anyway, her teammates understood and she was still there to support/mentor them. Btw, they still got silver as a team, that is a testament to how talented the rest of them are. They deserve their time to shine too!

[@AJLovesMC12]

@joe smath you try flipping 10+ feet in the air without landing badly on your head, back, rear, etc. Just because they are professionals does not make this sport any less dangerous, especially when you are not 100% in control of your body. Also, some sports do not involve the same risk as gynastics. Ping pong for example, that tiny hollow ball probably won’t risk the life of its players.

[@shyreetaallen2306]

@joe smath you take her place then of it’s that simple

[@CHRISFREE84]

@joe smath you sound crazy look at her record so you know she's not afraid she just probably was going through something was having an off-day show some compassion...

[@lyndellemodeste2439]

Preparing for the 2020 olympics, then having to mentally and psychologically deal with a pandemic resulting in the olympic games being pushed back an extra year would really affect some people's mental health. I am a teacher, and students were stressed out preparing for exams that were pushed further to a later date. We are all human. Simone also has pressure with being considered the best. Human beings feel, get injured, aren't perfect. Simone is still Simone💖💖💖

[@chocolateraisin1266]

Say it a little louder for the morons in the back❤️❤️❤️

[@jasminejoseph8307]

This post needs to be pinned! 👏🏾👏🏾

[@vincentveliz5118]

Your tripping,the only thing mentally that was wrong with Simone is she didn't properly prepare herself and focus on her task well enough and that's nobody's fault but hers,she's human...she was probably fighting on the phone with her boyfriend or bummed out about her hair or some everyday issue,you people gotta get a clue

[@jeffreyamado5230]

The US Team Officials are clearly supporting her decision. I'm not sure how they could have seen this coming or somehow prevented it as some people are saying. Especially from the greatest and most confident gymnast of all time.

[@jeffreyamado5230]

@joe smath My point is exactly what I said. There are other people like former gymnast Aly Raisman who are saying that team officials should have done a better job of preparing the team for the tough mental aspects of gymnastics. And she quit the competition because she performed a horrible vault which hurt the teams score. She lost her confidence and didn't want to cost the team any more points with her screwups AND she didn't want to get seriously hurt either.

[@jeffreyamado5230]

@joe smath But if you watched her vault she was completely LOST IN THE AIR and barley was able to keep her balance in the landing while stepping out of bounds. Her score was so low that it pretty much blew the gold medal for the team competition right there. If she's screwed up more events she could easily seriously injure herself.

[@stephenpoole5331]

Not that confident. She QUIT!

[@tamigartman3458]

The men against her decision probably have teeny weenies. Go break your own necks, guys

[@nathan-qo9rj]

@joe smath she wasn’t there dumbass when you’re not mentally prepared you can EASILY injure yourself ESPECIALLY in such a dangerous sport like gymnastics

[@elizabethvalenzuela4425]

She did the right thing. When she is ready to speak of it, I’ll listen to her words. Right now, I’m just going to support her and applaud her for showing us all that no matter what’s at stake, if it doesn’t feel right, walk away!

[@elizabethvalenzuela4425]

@joe smath what’s a zoomer? You do realize she could’ve been triggered badly being in the Olympic medical facility, right? She survived assault at the hands of that doctors who assaulted so many of those young ladies. Only medal you’d try to win is being a keyboard warrior on the internet. You’d still come up short.

[@ml734]

@joe smath we all are have different genes. We all are absolutely not the same .Thats the reason why we have our own identity not duplicated or triplecated.

[@LeilaCrockett]

@joe smath You're such a twat. Meanwhile, her teammates are in full support of her.

[@olivertoeknuckle4664]

They're saying the words that they know won't get them into trouble. I can PROMISE you, her teammates are not happy that they kissed the gold medal goodbye because Simone quit on GAME DAY!

[@kvernon1]

"no matter what’s at stake, if it doesn’t feel right, walk away!" Try telling that to your boss. Or a health care worker on the front lines against COVID. Or an NFL quarterback playing in the Super Bowl. Or .... Your statement is the complete opposite of being courageous. And a person of courage is a person worthy of respect.

[@ninashores2521]

This young woman has accomplished more already than most of us will in a lifetime! Give her a break. I doubt she planned to go all the way to the Olympics and quit!!

[@lilyplange7026]

People make it sound so, let me push my self through trails, get a sport on the olympics, push through preliminary stage, qualify for final in all apparatus, and QUIT. It mind blowing how they calling her selfish. Then I asked someone, do you really know what selfish means? As you said..... I hope they will give her a break and let her be.

[@smurfsense266]

I wouldn't call this any kind of Superior Accomplishment. It is Self Worship. Save a Life. That's an accomplishment.

[@smurfsense266]

@@dpcisunbreakable Oh YOU FIRST.. Please, Beech 😛

[@anngranit4794]

I love Dominiq she is very balanced , and the only one who can really tell how it feels .i hope Simone is feeling better ..and not worse becausevof all the fuss in the media .....for some reason every olympic there is one athlete who gets fire from ...people/ media ...ect ...this has to stop .she went there with every intention to break records and make you guys proud ...sometimes ...things just dont work as planned ..and its tough as it is , dont make it harder ...every word counts .

[@faith2xxx]

Dominique Dawes also weighed in and her insight mirrored the same. I pray Simone will be okay.

[@2415Jan]

Dominique is the one who f'd up. Kerri Strug is the reason uda won gold.

[@belmarmom]

Sadly, everyone is going to remember this one incident and forget about all Simone has accomplished. How unfair is that?

[@111marcie]

Nah she gonna go on and shine in other areas just like Vanessa Williams did. Already she is a great spokes person for the pressures,and abuse that can happen along with being number 1 and so much more she can bring to the table. I don't see this one thing she did as a failure, we all know what Simone is capable of. I think she just needed to rest from all that going on from past till present, it just all come yo a boil. But she's America's Sweetheart and still so young can do anything she wants. God got great plans for Simone!

[@timafiggy]

@V P Mrs. "Save the best for last" the singer and Actress

[@111marcie]

@V P Vanessa Williams was the first black Miss America but they stripped her of her title because someone dug up an old nude photo of her. She went on to be greater with an acting, singing, model and clothes line etc. So I'm saying there was so much more to her than that. Simone also is an extraordinary talent and there's more for her I believe. 😍

[@AmyB369]

That’s not true at all!

[@gbolahan5938]

@V P who cares about look? Do you know how many Gold Simone has won for US and her Team. she will come out as a shine star. you watch and see. Someone who step aside for her Team to win a medal knowing that her low performance will jeopardize the team a medal. She will shine more. you will see. A lot of people are coming out now on her defense

[@usaskjock]

Remember Moceanu nearly breaking her neck on the balance beam final in 1996? She missed the footing on her Aerial series and rolled off her head

[@JB-nz1qn]

Yeah, why was this segment only a minute or so long? If there was ANYONE who knew what it was like to be Simone, it was Moceanu. She was made out to be the "darling" that emulated (almost hauntingly) Nadia Comaneci and when she didn't do as well she blamed herself. The verbal and emotional abuse came from both Bela Karolyi AND her own father both of whom wanted her to be a gymnastic medal maker. She finally ran away from home and went to trial against her father and got emancipated. Whoever produced this segment didn't do it justice.

[@rhythmicelegance4670]

@@JB-nz1qn She also went through some tough coming-of-age experiences at the Colorado Springs training centre

[@luannlouch9524]

Thanks for putting this out there. So many people don't understand.

[@anitabreakone]

I loved watching this young lady perform. Definitely one of my favorites that I’ll never forget. Speaking about Simone, I totally agree with her. Simone did the right thing.

[@bluesjass5042]

When I first saw her landing I immediately knew it was a mental situation and it kept repeating itself

[@miwawilliams1339]

It's mental that affects physical She lost orientation (think vertigo or a concussion... but mid air) According to gymnasts when that happens you lose trust (understadably) in the muscle memory & spacial sense gymnasts depend on to safely land after all those flips and twists. Without spacial sense you risk catastrophic injury to compete. Many can regain it by going back to basics & retraining to rebuild muscle memory... and apparently Simone has in the past... but there's no telling how long that might take... could be days... could be weeks... but it's too risky for her or any gymnast to compete without spacial sense. They could die. Literally.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

@@miwawilliams1339 : Agree completely 👌.

[@bluesjass5042]

@@miwawilliams1339 you have to mentally aware of ware you are and spinning and twisting you can become dizzy and loose your bearings

[@1WorldAroundYou]

This is where the coach should step in. No fans, no family, no support. There needs to be a voice of encouragement.

[@je333ful]

Bela Karolyi: "Simone, listen to me.... You can do this! You got this Simone. You can do it."

[@1WorldAroundYou]

@@je333ful Yeah. I would approach it differently. "Simone talk to me." Listen to her. No judgements, just listen to her. Perfectionist, always try to improve small details and often get overloaded. Keep it simple. I personally forget to breath. For her if she loses spatial awareness, that is dangerous. She blanks out in middle of of the air, boom she will broke a leg maybe worst. For you non athletes, pick a simple task and video yourself doing it. You will notice if I shove a camera in your face, you will react differently. Sounds simple, but Simone has a mental block. She needs fo discover what they are.

[@je333ful]

@@1WorldAroundYou Agree... When it comes to mental health, I could relate and should know better. 🥰 I support Simone 100 %, whatever her decisions are. She doesn't need anymore validation to prove she's the best. I'm just so disappointed we won't see her compete. She is one of the athletes I've been waiting and wanting to watch. I hope she is OK.

[@kristinwallace6551]

@@je333ful The Karolyi's were abusive, mentally and physically. USA gymnastics is lucky to not have them around anymore.

[@je333ful]

@@kristinwallace6551 I respectfully disagree. If they were physically and mentally abusive, why haven't they been charged of any crime? I do however understand their association with Nasar but I don't see anything wrong doing in their parts. They were innocent in my honest opinion and their intentions were very good and what they brought to the USA gymnastics was colossal that put the USA gymnastics on top.

[@stvp68]

I remember seeing Moceanu hit her head on the beam-terrifying

[@clydemorgan5297]

Catastrophically hurt . I never even considered that until I read the story of a former Russian gymnast , who was good enough to get a skill named after her , who suffered several cervical fractures and was paralyzed for life in her early 20's when she missed the landing in her routine and fell awkwardly to the floor .

[@clydemorgan5297]

@V P No , I only chose to cite one . I am not your statistician .

[@anncoxwell7015]

Elena Murkhina. She beat Nadia Comenici and was the Olympic front runner for 1980. When she came to after the fall, her first thought was “Thank God I don’t have to go to the Olympics!” She had been abused by the system, including being forced to practice on an unhealed broken leg. She was trying to perform s Thomas Salto (now banned for its danger) and missed the landing, falling on her chin and snapping her cervical spine.

[@anncoxwell7015]

@V P 1991 Julissa Gomez, hit the vault and broke her neck. 2019 Melanie Coleman suffered a spinal cord injury on the uneven bars and died a few days later. 2016 Samir Ait Said fractured his tibia during qualifying for vault. This took less than 3 minutes to find.

[@i.am.heather]

@@anncoxwell7015 her situation falls more into the fact she had multiple surgeries and physically should not have been practicing gymnastics when she was (also without her coach around, I might add). Of course this was not up to her discretion, as it was very much out of her control to be doing so. The Thomas Salto required one to be in peak physical condition to be able to actually do it and with not having enough time to recover from surgery, Muhkina paid a huge price for it. The injury is very much her coach’s fault - it was not caused by a mental block. She probably knew in the air that it was going to end badly.

[@paigeannette]

For all of you saying “she should have pushed through if she really is the GOAT”…that is a perfect example of the toxic culture within sports that Simone and the rest of this generation are working so hard to change. Elite athletes are not machines, only working to give you the gold medal you think they owe you. They are people. We do not know what is truly happening behind the scenes. This is exactly what the GOAT should have done in this situation, and withdrawing when she knew the backlash she would receive is probably the bravest and most inspiring thing she could have done. An excellent role model to the next generation of athletes, letting them know it is OKAY to put yourself before your sport. If you don’t think that’s okay, I’d like to see you try walking in her shoes for just one day.

[@dustierbottoms]

You can’t just throw the goat label around casually to anyone. There’s literally only one in each sport…in all of history. Before this episode, I was making the argument she may be the goat female athlete bc no female dominated her sport like she has. Being the goat has to have meaning. And one of the standards should be not cracking/quitting on your team under pressure or if you aren’t “feeling it”. I agree with everything u said, she’s human, we don’t know what happened behind the scenes. There’s a rumor biles couldn’t use her adhd meds, so that would explain it….but how aren’t adhd meds banned? They are performance enhancing. Everyone is telling me the mental is just as vital as the physical in sports and I totally agree. So shouldn’t the goat be equally mentally strong which biles is not. So she’s not the goat anymore, what does it matter? She’s still an amazing athlete, one of the best. Just not the best.

[@paigeannette]

@@dustierbottoms and if she had gone out and thrown 4 subpar routines, then people would still be mad. Sunday’s quals showed that. She pushed through that day when she wasn’t on her A-game and got torn to shreds by the media. It’s a lose-lose. Knowing that, she chose what was best for herself and the team, didn’t risk losing their medal for them and didn’t risk permanently injuring herself due to lack of focus. A smart move only the best in the world would know to make.

[@dustierbottoms]

@@paigeannette I don’t disagree with anything u said. But it’s worth adding - that’s exactly what happens in sports. You have an off day, make a bad play, you may cost your team a victory. You learn from it and move on, get better, hope it doesn’t happen next time. Sports teaches us that sometimes we work hard, and still fail, and we need to get right back up and try again. And how many times has this happened before in gymnastics at the olympics? None of the other gymnasts in history felt pressure? All of them “felt right” before starting their routines? We just had a Japanese high flyer on the bars crash and burn (supposedly one of the best in the world). He took a nasty spill, and got right back up and finished the routine. Didn’t quit. And yes if biles thru 4 subpar routines in her prime at the olympics, we would judge her just like any other athlete. Which is why I think she chose not to compete. She didn’t want that to be her legacy. Instead she’s a quitter.

[@paigeannette]

@@dustierbottoms this is exactly the problem. We expect athletes to risk permanent injury for their sport, or else they are “quitters”. That is wrong. Full stop. When it comes down to it, gymnastics is a sport she does because she wants to. If she decides she can’t handle something, especially after all she’s given to the sport and to the team, then we must respect that. Also, her legacy is now not only that she is a stellar athlete and person, but someone who knows when to draw the line, when to do what is right for the team and her own safety even when it makes her look “weak” in the eyes of the world. A pretty damn good legacy if you ask me. None of what happened at this olympics undermines what she has already done and already given for the sport.

[@DebraJohnson]

You don't put yourself first in a team event.

[@erictripton]

Spot on!!! Simone has all the pressure of being number one. She pulled out because of errors on the floor, and obviously overwhelmed by that inner pressure. I see no sign that Simone is virtue signaling or sjw motivated. Seems like a Sage choice by clearly one of our best ever gymnasts, as with Dominique.

[@Elong.]

You could tell from Simone’s eyes that she had no idea what was up or down. Very dangerous for her especially when she does the hardest difficulty even amongst the men. 🐐

[@noeldunsky]

Dominique's insight is very smart and compassionate...

[@LucyLive91]

I think a lot of atheltes have suffered with no crowds. I mean all you have to do is look at the crowds the americans had at classics, nationals and trials - the brits on the other hand had their olympic trials behind closed doors. Its is a very different atmosphere. In the pool loads of other swimmers are showing up for their team mates but we haven't seen that for the gymnasts. The Women went to the Men's qualifiers but I didn't see the men at the womens events plus these teams are tiny so they wouldn't be able to make the noise they are used to. This whole olympics is unprecedented and its understanable if the doubts and demons get louder in ther quiet especially when the world has already put that medal around your neck

[@jessi9775]

The men were there just not as loud as the women were for them.

[@fullmooninbloom]

Exactly!!!!!!

[@oliveeffiekwao4864]

The men were there.

[@doloresleyva8810]

The crowds are a sense of support but the athletes knew there would be no crowd or a very sparse audience so most athletes probably didnt let that get in the way or let it bother them. Simone did mention the lack of the crowds at the press conference so maybe she missed having that aspect. All the attentiom. Simone mentions that she felt like the weight of the world was on her and shs wanted to do it for herself this time. Well the reason she is there is as a representative of the USA team so she may be very confused as to her thoughts and goals with this Olympics. There must be more going on because she did very well up until some of qualifying and her practices were not bad. Shes the greatest a rock and excellent under stress and was ready for the games. I feel she not only let her team she was leading down but also the country she is representing. She has preserved through injury and health issues (kidney stones) and stress so she knows how to push throuh and win. There are alot of unanswered questions with her dropping out maybe ones we will never know the answers to. Dont get me wrong if she quit because if her wellbeing and safety from injury was truly the issue then her decision had to be a very difficult one. Hopefully she gets some help and if she is not 100% she should pass on any more Olympic competition and go take care of herself.

[@teleguy5699]

Just like the other major sports I give all athletes a pass in these Covid conditions.

[@little11clarinet]

They didn’t allow her to bring her medicine. As someone with adhd I can tell you it’s hard to function without it. I really hope she’s not like physically sick while she’s in Japan

[@Mr.CoachBeaulieu]

Youre literally the only person in the comments ive seen get this right. Youre spot on.

[@astrinymris9953]

Even if Simone could theoretically do dangerous high level gymnastics skills which require total concentration without her ADD meds, the abrupt cessation of them would be devastating. When I went off Paxil my doctor tapered me off it very gradually, and even then it was an adjustment. I can't imagine going cold turkey and being expected to do elite gymnastics at the most high-pressure event in the sport at the same time.

[@46foryounger]

She shouldn’t have been competing period. She new a day before that she couldn’t twist and she was going through withdrawal from being taken off her medication, yet she and her coach allowed her to make a mockery of the sport by not pulling her before the event. This has been my point all along. This has nothing to do with needing a mental health day. This has to do with a lack of professionalism. Has the twisties never existed before in centuries of Olympic Games? These athletes body self awareness is on another level. There is no reason whatsoever that this has to take place. There is nothing heroic about pulling out at the last minute when she was well aware of what what’s going on before hand.

[@kristinwallace6551]

No, they actually waved this for athletes. She is on her meds. Read full article simone-biles-adhd-meds-banned-japan-impacting-performance-2021-7

[@orangemoonglows2692]

how do you know she didn't get an exemption? i actually saw the documentation and rules that japan allowed exemptions for athletes with the correct paperwork, etc.

[@iamjustjudy]

The world built her up to be a God, now they're complaining because she is just human like the rest of us who has to deal with every day crap that can overwhelm and a mental break is needed. Let her have her break. This is so much like the movie Stick It where the gymnast was at Worlds and became overwhelmed with what was happening in her life.

[@dustierbottoms]

We do bear responsibility but so does she…endorsements, commercials, goat sewn on her leotard, she embraced and profited off being the goat. At the end of the day she cracked. Goats don’t crack/quit under pressure. That should be the basic standard of a goat right?

[@iamjustjudy]

@@dustierbottoms It must be nice to be you. So perfect, never have any problems. That's called narcissism. NORMAL people aren't like that.

[@dustierbottoms]

@@iamjustjudy lol how many goats are there in the world? ONE. There’s only one in each sport. Being goat has to meet certain basic requirement right? And quitting on your team bc you “aren’t feeling it” in your physical prime on the biggest stage should be disqualifying. This isn’t a standard for everyone. It’s the standard for being the GOAT. No one is perfect, but the GOAT should have the perfect or close to perfect record in their craft.

[@iamjustjudy]

@@dustierbottoms Nope

[@sawyerogrady7552]

@DustyBottoms I completely agree with you

[@jordanturner7917]

"The crowds chanting USA USA USA gave you that boost you needed"

[@jordanturner7917]

@joe smath What sense are you attempting to make?

[@robertjohnson7834]

@@jordanturner7917 be able my last email to

[@t.r.1503]

Its weird cuz during the qualifications, they aired an interview with Hoda and she asked her about being sexually abused and Simone answered that she blocked it for so long to be able to cope. Idk when it was done but when I watched it, I thought how inappropriate. This woman should be focused on practicing and preparing and u chose this time to bring this up. It was just weird but when I saw that interview and how she did at qualifications, I knew something was off. Just my take.

[@recklessmermaid]

ive been falling down the rabbit hole of US gymnastics for the last few days and it's a very dark place. Larry Nassar, the official US gymnastics doctor, was accused of sexually assaulting, like, all the gymnasts. hundreds and hundreds, including Simone. he was initially sentenced to basically life, then 5 years, then 3. there were also many abusive coaches that were allowed to harm gymnasts for decades and it was an open secret, everyone looked the other way because "they produced champions" I can't imagine what it would be like to compete for an organization that swept all these abuses under the rug, placing medals ahead of the athlete's wellbeing. She owes US gymnastics absolutely nothing, but i do believe she is embracing the role of changing the sport for the future generation

[@Abouezili]

Simone is human and having the confidence to look out for her mental health instead of prioritizing a win makes her a bigger winner. It has everyone taking about mental health in sports and how important it is to be well inside and not push yourself so much that you breakdown. This way a win in my book.

[@berenicereyesg.7895]

Totally agree! I think another mission of her life just went out in these times, when not only athletes, but everybody needs to focus on our overall health and loyalty to ourselves. Thanks. Blessings...From Mexico.

[@karenking5357]

She should have thought about her mental health before she got to Japan and given that one girl who didn't quite make the team and opportunity she could have sat home in all of her glory not have all this criticism or even those defending her if she had stayed home to begin with she's been in too many competitions to all of a sudden have mental health issues they obviously have been coming up and coaches and the Olympic team should have say stay home let the next girl go and have her opportunity at a gold medal!! So whether Biles, out of greed, OR the USA Olympic Team OUT OF GREED insist that Biles should go the Olympics to draw in the viewership, the timing of her quitting is absurd it should have happened well before they travel to Japan I should have let the other young lady who didn't quite make the team have a turn it gold

[@susankeefer5981]

I’m glad that Simone had the courage to know that it was time to stop. She could have been seriously hurt. I applaud her and hope that she gets all the help that she needs.

[@debrafiorillo7084]

I miss u Dominique moceanu u were truely great too!!! I remember u when u were 11 yrs old at the Olympic festival!! Beautiful young woman now!!! Thank u for supporting Simone biles!!!

[@72586jejones]

I have not seen one past gymnast shame Simone for doing what she did. What does that tell you? And dropping out of the AA where she is ranked first with a clear path to victory? She is facing some serious demons and needs prayer. For those of you who are still salty, I am sorry her panic attack did not align with your plans while you sat at home on your couches getting fat.

[@erinm9445]

Not one gymnast, and there have been a heap of other top athletes from all kinds of sports speaking out in support, because they get it too. I saw one article with some football players being critical, and that was it.

[@stephenpoole5331]

You don't know that the commenters are at home on their couches and getting fat. How judgmental of you! Why, you almost sound like those making judgements about Simone.

[@whatistruth1155]

Ain’t no need for name calling!

[@whatistruth1155]

@@stephenpoole5331 So true

[@Mr.CoachBeaulieu]

Ritalin dependency. She 100% depends on it and its illegal in Japan with no medical exemption. Imagine taking a medication to feel normal all your life then all the sudden you are without. On the biggest stage in the world.

[@orangemoonglows2692]

how do you know she didn't get an exemption? japan actually changed their rules to allow athletes special exemptions as long as they went through a process.

[@justrelax3743]

Excellent points made by a great athlete.

[@Pootie_Tan]

We just witnessed Simone’s last ride as a gymnastic athlete. So sad I’m crying right now into a fish bowl 😭. Wish her all the best going forward. Nothing but ❤️ 💗

[@SuccessforLifester]

Many images were blurred out. I don't know what happened

[@pannachawangkul585]

Hype, pressure, and high expectations by others can inadvertently crumble you. Remember the hype of Kim zmeskel years ago? She failed to live up to the pressure and the expectations. Shannon Miller, who came out of nowhere, won 4 gold medals, if I am not mistaken. The story is repeating itself here, only with different players.

[@dpcisunbreakable]

Aw, man, you just took me back to that day too! I felt so bad for Kim!!!

[@user-qg7fh5om7m]

Simone has nothing else to prove, and no one else to beat...but Simone!

[@aliensoup2420]

Looks like she failed at that.

[@stephenpoole5331]

Perhaps she knew she COULDN'T beat Simone in the mental state she was in.

[@ryveralexander8511]

That's the attitude of thinking you're it! God Has The Final It! If to be a champion you don't have to compete just called yourself GOAT, why bothered going to the olympic!

[@durangomcmurphy1529]

In 1996 Kerri Strug suffering an ankle sprain , overcame any personal issues , vaulted , perfectly stuck the landing and helped Team USA win Olympic Gold . Her coach carried her to the Podium . She was an OLYMPIAN . Biles blew a landing , got embarrassed , made up a " mental health " excuse and abandoned her Team and her Country . Don't make excuses , the Olympics are about both physical prowess AND charachter . Basically , Biles choked .

[@leslie1555]

Kerri’s injury ended her career as a competitor in gymnastics; was that worth it?

[@blackgirlsrock264]

@@leslie1555 Exactly!

[@durangomcmurphy1529]

@@leslie1555 Ask her . My vote would be yes it was worth it . Everyone gets old , all careers eventually end . Better to be remembered as a hero than a coward .

[@JB-nz1qn]

@@durangomcmurphy1529 www.sportscasting.com/never-forget-michael-jordan-took-mental-break-height-nba-career-admits-doesnt-know-couldve-survived-social-media-era/

[@cygnevara8400]

its nice to see a woman supporting her. ive seen men bash her, meh toxic masculinity...but what surprised me was seeing women dsparage her too. im glad dominique said something nice~

[@positiveproductions6699]

I think it was partially the pressure of the announcers calling her the best and just the amount of eyes on her specifically That's my insight into it I could be wrong but that's just my opinion

[@Nostalgic90s765]

Completely. The problem is that she herself has embraced it and started calling herself the GOAT, putting goats on her leotard, goat emojis after her posts etc. When you yourself buy into your own hype, but then complain that the pressure is too much makes it less sympathetic imo.

[@rubyrose2696]

She was withdrawling from Ritalin which is illegal in Japan. She was on Ritalin for 2016.

[@mygirldarby]

That is not true. I wish people wouldn't spread these false stories. Simone has a legal prescription for ritalin and she was not banned from taking it in Japan. She has a therapeutic use waiver from the international Olympics committee as well, and it is perfectly OK for her to take her medicine. She is NOT in withdrawal from ritalin.

[@mygirldarby]

By the way, here's an article about it. www.insider.com/simone-biles-adhd-meds-banned-japan-impacting-performance-2021-7

[@jodjam]

It's unbelievable to see the hate that she is receiving from high profile journalists and, might I add predominantly white men. Just like Naomi Osaka, she should be applauded for knowing her limits. The culture of pushing through the pain- whether physical or mental while coaches turned a blind eye to abuse happening to the children in their care - it needs to stop and I hope things get better for children starting out in gymnastics now.

[@rg1whiteywins598]

I was a gymnast and some girls didn't experience this, but I did. I had a lot of stress outside the gym and one sour spotter at the gym who called me names that were not nice at all. I remember losing my place in the air a few times a month. It was frustrating because it didn't seem to happen to anyone else. Hearing that it happens to Elite gymnasts makes me feel better. I felt like a freak.

[@stevennevermind7110]

What insight? It is fear and she doesn’t want to get hurt anymore

[@mellamobrittney]

No one cares. They'd rather her "push through it," and risk making a mistake that could leave her paralyzed or worse. Anything for entertainment. It's a Hunger Games mentality.

[@hermahall8088]

I will not comment after this. Do you really believe that Simone deliberately went all the way to Tokyo just to quit out of selfishness? She has already shown her strength mentally and physically(5 Gold metals). Oh, I get it, you would prefer she go forth and possibly become paralyzed. It is a known fact and is obviuos that her moves are far more risky and difficult than other gymnasts in any country. What I think should outrage you is that Russians altheletes compete under ROC(as if they are not from the cheating Russian government runned Olympic organization), when their doping travesty was government and Olympic organization sponsored. Why not cry 'foul with that? Get a life and find some inner compassion.

[@joyace9674]

You know your own body she’s very smart God bless her always to me she is amazing no matter what ❤️

[@werewolf7958]

Nadia was and is the youngest Olympic champion, not Moceanu. Get it right.

[@94Whiskey]

Simone gave her best....and that's all we ask❤️❤️❤️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@rachelwatley173]

But she didn't give her best... She chose to quit... Are you implying that quitting is her best?

[@94Whiskey]

@@rachelwatley173 .....u don't know what these top athletes go through. She is no quitter to me. Have u even come close to what she does? Are u a top athlete yourself that represented the US??? I don't think so ...

[@rachelwatley173]

@@94Whiskey I spent over 10 years as an elite competitive gymnast, and trained in gymnastics from age 5 up till age 21 when, I decided enough was enough. I am not saying that I was any where near as good as her, She is one of the best gymnast to have ever competed, but yes... I have competed at an elite level Internationally, I have even been many times the captain/anchor of my team, it is A LOT of pressure.. You DON'T QUIT in the middle of a competition. I can respect that she needed a break. I agree 100% that if your not there mentally you don't need to be out there, Gymnastics is a very dangerous sport even when your mental game is 100%. She knew prior to starting that competition that she was off, and that was something that could have been addressed prior to the start of the competition that day. I have a tremendous amount of respect for her as a gymnast, but I am not going to pretend that quitting in the middle of a competition is okay.. I hope she can get the much needed break, and hope to see her back stronger and better than ever, and if she has decided that enough is enough then I wish her well in whatever she chooses to pursue.

[@stephenpoole5331]

@@94Whiskey Rachel being or not being a top athlete has NOTHING to do with it. She said Simone didn't give her best (in response to you saying she did) and that Simone chose to quit. If you meant that under her mental state AT THAT TIME she did the best she could do UNDER THAT CIRCUMSTANCE, then that would be a fair statement.

[@kvernon1]

@@rachelwatley173 "As a matter of fact, I AM a gymnast!" That was the ULTIMATE comeback!

[@ml734]

Its different in your opinions, if you have experienced word panic or mental block outs. I experienced that . once in while it came back on me. So I sympathized on Simone cuz it feels real the fear or panic.

[@glidercoach]

Gymnasts are super human... ...they are also imperfect.

[@GodsOath_com]

Simone is 24. At 24 most people are grown up working at their jobs and have finished college two years ago. Simone should become a coach.

[@popaganda919]

stop with this "she's only human" phrase, even if she went on to win back to back allaround gold, she would still be human. nobody is superhuman in any discipline of life.

[@1drfulfree471]

She did what was Right for her Mental Health. If you never been through it, you can never imagine what it’s like. Simone, I applaud you for putting yourself first and moving in the direction to be a better you. Regardless of what anyone thinks or have the audacity to say out loud (on this platform or anywhere else), we need to listen to our Hearts. The life we save could be our own. Take care and Thank You for being a GREAT MENTOR to those who are coming up behind you!!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@jdajayi92]

@@1drfulfree471 I think the applauding of people "putting THEMSELVES first" is exactly the issue people are having with the new generation. It's ok to have flaws, but don't put yourself on a pedestal ("GOAT") and then back down like "I'm just human". Many Olympians understand that the event is bigger than them, thus they set their minds on welcoming the pressure of a country literally on their shoulders. And not letting their team down. She should've admitted she wasn't up to it from jump and give another girl the chance to live out a dream.

[@kibbykibby]

@@jdajayi92 well said!

[@kibbykibby]

@@jdajayi92 There’s a video of her saying she’s the best gymnast but they won’t let her have it because she’s too good! All of a sudden she’s not? Maybe she should have been more humble.

[@doloresleyva8810]

Part of Olympian training includes mental health as well as physical health. She really looked disoriented and didnt do her max in qualifying. Maybe she should not have gone if she wasnt fit to compete. Seems as though there is more going on. Glad she is not injured and hopefully she gets some help. The disappointment and shock is what upset everyone since she was there to lead the team, defend her titles and represent her country. Something else went on with her to throw her off.

[@friendlytester6861]

It’s not just Simone either. There has to be a reason why most of team USA isn’t performing at its best. I almost blame coaching or conditions because she’s not the only one that’s off her game.

[@cadaverdog1424]

They need Dr. Larry Nassar!!

[@backyardbuilttrucks1]

One word , pressure.

[@amrose4214]

I thought the large crowds were distraction for the gymnasts with the flashbulbes remember Dominique fell on her head on beam due to the bulbs going off. Who knows what going in her head though the tv cameras focusing on her face most of the time instead of the others probably got to her and her family not being there. Maybe she chose to let the other girls get there time too shine so its not all about her. The judges said they gonna be tough on scoring for her.

[@astrinymris9953]

I think knowing that the IOC downgraded some skills they knew were in her routines for no other apparent reason to see that she lost something shook her at a profound level, too. How does it feel to know that on one hand people are expecting her to sweep the gold medals like last Olympics while the head officials are seemingly colluding to see that this doesn't happen? All this while she's being denied her ADHD meds, and dealing with drama with her birth family. Jeez, when I put it all together like this, why is it any surprise to anyone that she'd have a hard time getting her head in the game?

[@kathrynhall7021]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS ❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@andyroosky]

A lot of those outside variable didn’t seem to rattle the 16 year ROC competitor. This is how sports go, some athletes rise at times and other times they dont. She made the right move in leaving the comp as to not potentially bring her teams score down. However, she did let them down by not competing, its a hard one. This was her succumbing to the pressure and outside variables (i.e. choking). It happens in sport sometimes, just the way it goes. Having a strong mental game is part of sport and unfortunately hers wasn’t on point this time around.

[@ellendunhill8303]

She was off her meds not allowed.

[@chocolateraisin1266]

Yep that’s America for you, as long as you’re on top you’re good. Loves to turn their back at the first mistake. That’s why they have alternates and yes they are just as good as her. All the medals she has previously won still speak volumes. Talk about the men’s basketball team 🦗 🦗 🦗

[@lucasterable]

IMO here's what happened during her vault: her proprioception went out-of-whack. It is a phase that gymnasts can go through at least once during their careers and can last for days before resolving on its own. It basically causes your body not to respond to inputs as it should and automatisms that had been fixated and well established during training stop working temporarily; in Biles' case, it caused her to do 1.5 twists instead of 2.5. Unluckily for her, she was affected by this phenomenon with the worst of timings :(. She demonstrated wisdom and lucidity by pulling out of the competition before costing more points to the team - or even getting injured.

[@anthonydelvalle7891]

Talk about mental health. Her quitting is over shadowing the other competitors that are still on it. That's not fair to them. I feel she signed up to be here when she didn't have too she won medals she didn't have to prove anything. But to quit like that? Other people wish they could be where she is

[@weepingwillows21]

Well, if anyone would know it would be Dominique. She's been there. She knows what that's like. Like she said, Simone is human. If it's not safe for her to compete right now, only she knows that. Hoping for her recovery. If she never comes back to compete, maybe one day she will coach. Nadia Comaneci and her husband Bart Connor, who was also a competitive gymnast, have a gym where they coach kids now. Maybe Simone will run the Biles Gymnastics School one day.

[@sammurch2811]

I know if the committee had dumbed down the scoring system because of me, I would have a hard time keeping my head and heart in it. Totally unfair to her. For years they train and push the boundaries. Then when someone actually does it and has a great advantage they take that away by changing how the sports scored. Yeah no not cool.

[@leykimayri]

Don’t write stupidities, making yourself ridiculous with your ignorance on the sport

[@sammurch2811]

@@leykimayri my apologies, I simply based my comment and opinion on the the energies of an interview I watched of her talking about the scoring system. Oh just to let you know I did try gymnastics classes as a kid, and did follow it back then. Just because I'm not knee deep and obsessed doesn't mean I am completely ignorant on the sport.

[@leykimayri]

@@sammurch2811 They never downgraded the score system because of Simone. Every four years after the Olympics the code of points changes in an effort to promote exercises, to not be boring with the same routines and downgrade others that have been used repeatedly from athletes due to the points they gain but with sloppy execution, etc. The only thing that happened is that Simone submitted a very hard dismount on beam, and some argue it should have been valued more. The FIG answered that because it’s such a difficult dismount and a dangerous one if you don’t do it well, they don’t want to encourage other girls trying it by giving it a much higher D-score. It was still valued as the hardest dismount there is from the beam though. Same thing has happened to other exercises as well though, a triple turn on the beam is only valued 0,5 points when it should be valued like 0,6 or even 0,7. Try doing a turn on hard floor yourself and then imagine doing a triple turn on a beam…The Mo salto on bars, only valued a G (0,7 points) when basically it’s an at least I (0,9 points) bars exercise, because they don’t want to encourage girls trying to perform such a difficult and hard exercise risking an injury, just because it gives a very high D-score…a triple turn dismount from bars, again only a G score when it’s basically at least an I dismount, maybe even a J…

[@Rudesayer]

Reject the endorsements and reject the interviews and reject the sainthood status.

[@UppityOne]

Reading these comments is interesting. Most (nearing all) people posting have never been and will never be a gymnast at this level, living average lives but can discount what Dominique Moceanu is saying. If the reports are true that Simone Biles is experiencing “twisties”, she needs to not compete or she risks paralysis or death. Praying for her.

[@UppityOne]

@@josephkingsford8480 Thank you for proving my point with your comment.

[@UppityOne]

@@josephkingsford8480 That wasn’t what I was saying but good look to you, Sir.

[@UppityOne]

@@ELDELD Why are you thinking about her skin tone? This is weird.

[@UppityOne]

@@josephkingsford8480 Alright, prove me wrong. Let me Google your name to see your list of athletic accomplishments.

[@laurelmalinowski1676]

@@ELDELD say you’re racist without saying you’re racist.

[@alexandrugheorghiu3439]

I’ve had no idea who she was but YT recommended this video. Saw the name. Said it sounds Romanian. Googled and found she’s ethnically Romanian. Also, her story is quite interesting for fellow young gymnasts. Good job Dominique :)

[@collegeguy799]

Empty stadium worsens anxiety. Yep, we’ve reached a new low.

[@TheGrandmaster1]

Covid really has destroyed the world. Truly.

[@jonathankelley4041]

@@TheGrandmaster1 no people letting WuFlu destroy the world isnthe problem. The vast majority (99.9%) survive if infected. Peoples weak mentality is destroying the world. Liberals are destroying the world.

[@faith2xxx]

@@jonathankelley4041 You're such a scientist. Where did you study, Trump University?

[@jonathankelley4041]

Cdc is where that came from. I do understand statistics. I have a math degree for The University of Texas soooooo.

[@dudubcjkxkd]

@@jonathankelley4041 ah yes Texas

[@PatriciaLLogan]

I read in an article where the writer said that she succeeded as a human, but failed as a Gymnast. Who the heck does he have to prove, just because he was a big, bad man with a pen (or computer). Everyone who has ever had to display their talent goes through this. Some call it, stage fright, others call it something else (depending on what you are does that makes you unique). I feel for like Simone, always being put on a pedestal, and when something like this comes alone (lost in the air in this case), armchair coaches come out of the closet, screaming matches on how she should have stayed at home, and other stupid comments like this. to this, I wish they all would attempt to do what she does.

[@dardar1862]

She made the right choice! There is probably something else going on that totally derailed her focus. Let’s cheer for the brave person who stops and says no I cannot go on!! She could have gotten really badly hurt if she kept pushing! 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜

[@jonathankelley4041]

She's an athlete. I played many sports while injured. You push through. Plus she ain't injured. She is having "mental" problems. Something no one can check you just take their word for it. It's called compartmentalizing. Adults have to learn this skill.

[@dardar1862]

@@jonathankelley4041 So compassionate 🙄

[@jonathankelley4041]

@@dardar1862 was not trying to be. Holding her to standards I would hold any athlete at the top of their game. (She called herself the GOAT.) Not a GOAT move. I remember Kerri Strug did a vault with a broken ankle and nailed it. Selfless, tough, and inspiring. None of what she is doing can be described as Selfless, tough, and inspiring.

[@thedon5367]

@@jonathankelley4041 it was a team comp and she wasn’t focused and she couldn’t be herself because the judges felt her routines were too difficult for the other gymnast to compete. So instead of continuing and putting her team in jeopardy of not even getting a medal, she opted out and still supported her team. Stop hating and criticizing something you don’t understand

[@1drfulfree471]

Thank you The Don, lets stop responding to J. Kelly. Obviously she is trying to debate something that her “degree” didn’t prepare her for. You can’t compare Mental Health to Physical Health because, Mental Health doesn’t require a bandage, a splint or a cast, it requires a Light which you may or may not be able to find in that Darkness!!!! Leave J. Kelly in her own private head.

[@CCRoxtar]

Domi may have had the twisties back in '96 when both of her vault landings went awry just before Kerri went on. Later, when Domi filled in for Kerri in individual events, her beam routine also went awry & she landed on the beam headfirst.

[@venissacross8626]

So how will She handle the individuals rounds? My thoughts, if she is dealing with mental health in team rounds, she should not complete in individual round & step down, and let another compete.

[@Durufle68]

She's already pulled out of the all-around. I wonder if she will do individual events or not.

[@raleemay]

Simone has gone through a lot. With that nasty doctor Larry Nassir and then her brother on trial for a murder. And all the pressure to perform again. It’s no wonder she is suffering mentally.

[@Dhhtyu4566]

Exactly

[@Higherseeker]

Sorry..... but EVERY athlete had the SAME circumstances. None of them bailed.

[@arilikeme]

Why she didn’t quit before? during qualification and all that why?

[@rose1005mary]

Yep and give another gymnasts the opportunity, but unfortunately she got the pressure from the managers who tells her what to do.

[@patrickhayes7407]

I feel like she quit on her team. Not sure what the deal was but, to just say I quit, I'm out & good luck girls is Wrong. Like a quarterback saying I'm not feeling it today guys, good luck. JMO

[@poeticpoems1234]

Dominique Dawes was also a member of the magnificent 7 and boy was she something to watch. Biles reminded me of Dawes.

[@a.garcia7127]

Bull shit... Simone Biles is a quitter. What about athletes from other countries.... did they quit? They all competing on the same stage. Simone Biles is setting a bad precedence.

[@kibbykibby]

I have a hard time imagining that Olympian’s haven’t felt the pressure she’s feeling. Is she the only one who has felt it this bad? Maybe if she was a bit more humble, things would be looking different.

[@thelastminmom5251]

Ya, that’s part of being an Olympic Athlete. Your mental game needs to be as good or greater than your physical ability. Olympians rise to the challenge. Otherwise they would just be good at sports. That’s what differentiates the Olympians from people that are athletic. An olympian is all-around strong. Physical and mental. Period

[@ddiesel1836]

the only time Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps or Tom Brady would be taken out of the game is if they got hurt or replaced by their coaches . They would never take themselves out voluntarily. These warriors would rather loose than quit

[@rebeccasoto9592]

The difference is if you don’t die in those sports if you are off mentally. If you are off mentally in gymnastics you can be paralyzed. It’s clear you’re not familiar with the sport and the long history of gymnasts who competed injured or when mentally not present. It’s not worth it. If you’re “off” in the pool, the court, the track there is virtually no risk of death. Stop comparing things you know nothing about.

[@ddiesel1836]

@@rebeccasoto9592 oh yes i am familiar. you have not heared of Elena Mukhina have you? i did not think so. Simone getting injured with her mental health issues is not the reason for her quitting. She never said it was it is her not being able to live up to the expectations of her "GOAT" brand. so he she took the easy way out; QUIT

[@ddiesel1836]

@@rebeccasoto9592 so when the Chips are down; instead of Rising Up, she chose to Leave. That's not something Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Jimmy Connors , Steffi graff, Carl Lewis or Novak Djokovic would do

[@ddiesel1836]

@@rebeccasoto9592 ok so I am right. Biles decision to withdrew came after she was not able to deliver her expected vault performance. And not because out of fear of getting injured. pathetic

[@ddiesel1836]

@Marty Yo im not actually entertained by her per se. im entertained with her "excuse" for quitting 😆😆😆

[@superkid12345]

She's been the face of the American olympics Since Rio. That's a crazy amount of pressure she lives in 24/7. She's literally the reason most ppl around the world are tuning into the Olympics. She's in the spot Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt were in, being the global face of Olympic competition.

[@cadaverdog1424]

She wanted to be a star, so she can either deal with it or quit___ I could care less about some athlete wowing the public with her jumping jacks__ I’m not watching the Olympics__ I’m learning another language_______________________

[@superkid12345]

@@cadaverdog1424 It was such a waste of electricity for you to post that rambling mess.

[@cadaverdog1424]

@@superkid12345 Bite me

[@thedon5367]

Where was all this hate when phelps retired ?

[@Tutiwashername]

Oh it was there!

[@rebeccasoto9592]

I don’t know if you understand what happened but she balked her vault and got lost in the air. There is no “giving up” when that happens, if you are even an inch off on that vault you break your neck and die. If you are not 100% on in gymnastics the risk of death is very real. Many gymnasts have been permanently paralyzed because they kept competing when they were not focused. No ones life is worth a medal. Simone is a trauma survivor and has won dozens of medals for an organization that covered up the abuse she faced. The pressure she is under is immense and it may not be safe to do the sport if you can’t be fully focused and shake that off. I respect Simone THE HUMAN. Maybe you should try to do the same.

[@kvernon1]

@@rebeccasoto9592 Well-said, thanks for your insights. Perhaps you can answer this question: what if, during a training session, a gymnast is not 100% focused. Does her coach tell her to stop & take the rest of the day off? Something tells me this isn't what happens. I'm not a gymnast, but I would imagine that the coaching staff would then take the gymnast aside, and take steps to "reorient" their thinking, get their edge back, and have them try again. Simone has been doing gymnastics since she was a very young child. I'm sure there were several times her focus wavered during her training & career, but along the way she must have learned techniques to re-establish her focus and overcome these lapses. Otherwise she wouldn't have made it as far as she did. So with all this mental & physical training, it's really sad it all fell apart for her at a crucial time. We often forget that people, no matter how exalted, are still human after all.

[@Tutiwashername]

I personally think that she knew she was off her game and took off for mental health reasons. It is all the rave lately. There will be a book coming soon.

[@christinerose4839]

Mental Health is very much alive and well in gymnastics this Olympic Games .

[@christinerose4839]

Then don’t compete give your spot to someone who not mentally ill lol

[@ninjagirl226]

Here's my comment. Simone is human. But I have my own demons too and have been told numerous times to suck it up the team needs you. Even right now my knee is injured (I skinned it on a nasty fall while running), but I'm in a marathon relay coming up. I'm still training despite the pain because my team needs me. So excuse me if I disagree with her sometimes I think the team has to come first.

[@k.7.l.m]

Good luck to you and your relay team. Stay 💪.

[@rachelwatley173]

Good for you! Keep pushing forward! Good luck to you and your team

[@martinm2001]

Pain is one thing. Gymnasts fight through pain all day everyday. Being disoriented and not knowing where you are in the air is another thing. She could have ended up catastrophically injured if she pushed through.

[@ninjagirl226]

@@martinm2001 I threw hammer, weight, shot, and discus, so I understand that. If I got disorientated I could have easily killed someone (and I nearly did once). Maybe you can argue the team let her down because when I start feeling overwhelmed my teammates would help me through it. They would tell me I could do it and build my confidence even if I was afraid. That's why I love those guys so much and would do ANYTHING for them. The team comes first even before one's own health in my opinion. And in the end she let them down.

[@bgin1]

Maybe just maybe she felt mentally disgusted because for years she was being molested by doctor nassar and the organization did not protect her. Now the system might give him leniency,

[@ingridswen9875]

Like I said, Tokyo Olympics is a non-event.

[@Saleigh]

I agree the fans help get you out of your head bec if it’s just silent you’re thincking and over thincking it’s harder to focus