US gymnast Simone Biles has withdrawn from Thursday's women's all-around final "in order to focus on her mental health", USA Gymnastics has confirmed.
The 24-year-old pulled out after one rotation of the women's team final on Tuesday in Tokyo, citing mental health concerns.
USA Gymnastics said Biles is yet to decide whether to withdraw from her four individual finals, which are scheduled to take place next week.
In a statement, USA Gymnastics said: "After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition.
"We wholeheartedly support Simone's decision and applaud her bravery in prioritising her wellbeing. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many."
The statement said that "Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week's individual event finals".
Jade Carey will replace Biles in the all-around final, USA Gymnastics has said.
After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. 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. pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) July 28, 2021
On Tuesday, Biles dropped out of the women's team final after one vault as the United States lost out on the gold medal to Russia.
Speaking after that, she had said she was unsure whether she would compete in the women's all-around event.
"After the performance I did I just didn't want to go on," said Biles, fighting back tears as she met with the media. "We are going to see about Thursday.
"I'm just trying to gear up for the next test."
The 24-year-old later confirmed she was not suffering a physical injury, and had decided to take a step back because she feared she would not be able to contribute to her team's pursuit of a third consecutive team gold medal.
"I just felt it would be a little bit better to take a back seat and work on my mindfulness," said Biles in a remarkably honest interview following the competition, in which the US were pipped to gold.
"No injury, thankfully. That’s why I took a step back because I didn’t want to do something silly out there. I thought it was best if these girls took over. I knew they would be okay."
Mental blocks ain't no joke, I’ve experienced this first hand throughout my career and they are still the most challenging times I’ve faced. Only people who have experienced this can fully understand the stress that comes with it
— Rhys Mcclenaghan (@McClenaghanRhys) July 28, 2021
International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams had said earlier on Wednesday the IOC has "huge respect and support" for Biles.
He said mental health remained a big issue and that it was a matter the organisation had been working on for some time.
IOC President Thomas Bach was seen in deep conversation with Biles on the floor of the Ariake Gymnastics Centre on Tuesday before handing out medals.
Biles was to appear in all six gymnastics event finals and a sweep of the gold medals would have given her 10, making her the most accomplished woman Olympian in any sport
