This week multi-medalist Simone Biles chose to step down from the United States women's gymnastics team final at the Olympics due her growing concern for her own mental and physical health.
Although Biles made the best choice for her well-being she still faced backlash from mostly men over her decision to withdraw. However, as quick as some were to criticize, so were many just as fast with an outpouring of respect and support for the champion athlete.
Former Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Dominique Moceanu spoke out on Twitter. She shared why Biles made the right choice in stepping out of the competition.
You can see her tweet and video here:
I was 14 y/o w/ a tibial stress fracture, left alone w/ no cervical spine exam after this fall. I competed in the Olympic floor final minutes later. @Simone_Biles decision demonstrates that we have a say in our own health\u2014\u201ca say\u201d I NEVER felt I had as an Olympian.pic.twitter.com/LVdghdAh1g— Dominique Moceanu (@Dominique Moceanu) 1627483863
In our sport, we essentially dive into a pool w/ no water. When you lose your ability to find the ground\u2014which appears to be part of @Simone_Biles decision\u2014-the consequences can be catastrophic. She made the right decision for the team & herself. @bisping— Dominique Moceanu (@Dominique Moceanu) 1627491095
In a video she shared, Moceanu was performing a balance beam routine and landed directly on her head at only 14 years old.
Moceanu pointed out how even after such an alarming fall, along with a stress fracture in one leg, she did not receive any medical examination and was pushed to immediately perform her floor routine.
Fellow Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Kerri Strug, who was famously pushed to continue performing while injured, offered her support as well.
Sending love to you @Simone_Biles -Team UNITED States of America— Kerri Strug (@Kerri Strug) 1627404466
While those mostly male armchair critics are using Moceanu, Strug and other Olympians to point out what's wrong with Biles' decision, the women themselves are pointing out how they had no control, weren't asked for their consent and the pressure they were under to win at all costs was dangerous and abusive.
Google "Elena Mukhina" Russian gymnast in 1978, broke her leg, coaches forced docs to take the cast off too early & forced her compete anyway. 20 years old, broke her neck & became a quadriplegic. Died at 46. Gymnasts should be able to say no to their coaches. End of discussion— James DeYoung (@James DeYoung) 1627522705
Biles is the most decorated American gymnast with a combined total of 30 World and Olympic medals. She is the first female gymnast to successfully complete the dangerous triple double—a skill in which she launches herself high into the air after two backflips to complete three full rotations before landing.
As physical and mental pressures mounted, Biles participated in the team final for one vault. However, she was only able to make 1.5 out of her usual 2.5 rotations before a difficult landing resulted in her scoring to be subpar compared to her usual level of performance.
Given the risks involved and the long history of inadequate medical care and documented abuse of young female athletes in gymnastics, most of Biles' fellow gymnasts are pushing back against all the armchair critics.
When Biles said she felt “a little lost in the air" and couldn't trust herself at the moment, it was clear her decision was made with safety in mind.
You can see Biles astounding triple double skill below.
Everyone, this is Jade Carey \n\n\u2014 because of her AA qualifiers ranking, she will step in for Simone Biles\n\u2014 shes a vault and floor specialist\n\u2014 she qualified for individual vault and floor finals too\n\u2014 shes the only female gymnast who can do a TRIPLE DOUBLE LAYOUT (K)\n\n#Olympicspic.twitter.com/j6BgZisdJi— in queen jade we trust (@in queen jade we trust) 1627462763
The Twitter community applauded Moceanu's response to the Biles backlash and responded with deep support for both women.
I was twelve years old in 1996, and you were my absolute idol. As an adult I look back at what our gymnasts have endured and I'm just...sorry. As a society, we should have done and expected better.— Ally (@Ally) 1627557887
Anyone who is rlly upset that a 24 year old they've never met decided not to do a million flips for them, I have an amazing message for you: you are going to be fine!!!!!— pat regan (@pat regan) 1627482811
She shouldn't have had to. If she was injured she should have been encouraged to withdraw..she was a vulnerable child under immense pressure.— Ronnie Two Flutes (@Ronnie Two Flutes) 1627564977
No one should doubt Simone Biles' commitment to gymnastics. She has worked harder to be the best than most of us could even imagine. If she is feeling 'off' and not ready to compete, I think she's earned the benefit of the doubt. It's disappointing, but we should let it go.— Kyle Becker (@Kyle Becker) 1627485673
Welcome to what women have known for centuries! We always get criticized. Always. And black women get served a whopping dose of misogynoir on top of that.— Mimi Wells \ud83d\udc9b\ud83d\udc1d (@Mimi Wells \ud83d\udc9b\ud83d\udc1d) 1627572667
It is becoming more obvious over time that the purpose of USA Gymnastics and the doctors involved was never the protection of the athletes. I wonder, if the public had known then what we know now, would we have allowed children to be treated like that?— PhotoMatt (@PhotoMatt) 1627565860
Despite pressures, original intention, or entertainment value it is important to remember these athletes are human and need to take care of themselves too and we all have the right to personal choice.
@priscillachan/Instagram