Simone Biles has revealed that her aunt sadly passed away two days before she competed in the balance beam final at Tokyo 2020.
The 24-year-old won a bronze medal in the gymnastics event in what was her return to competing a week after pulling out of the women’s all around final.
But Biles and her coach, Cecille Canqueteau-Landi, explained the tragic family news that the gymnast had received prior to the final.
“I woke up the other day and my aunt had unexpectedly passed and I’m like, you guys have no idea what we’re going through,” Biles told reporters.
Her coach said: “I asked [Simone], what do you need? And she said, ‘I just need some time’.
“I said, ‘You call me, text me, if you need anything I’ll be here. Whatever that is’.
“She called her parents. She said, ‘There’s nothing I can do from over here. So I’m just going to finish my week and when I get home we’ll deal with it’.”
Biles made her return to competition with a score of 14.000 in the balance beam final.
That was enough to secure the bronze, behind Chinese pair Tang Xijing and Guan Chenchen.
It was her second medal of the Games, following a silver medal in the women’s all around final.
She withdrew from that final after one vault and said she needed to “focus on [her] mental health”.
She later explained that she has been suffering from “twisties” – saying that her “mind and body are not in sync”.
Biles subsequently withdrew from the vault, floor and uneven bars finals.
Posting on Instagram after receiving the bronze medal, she wrote: “Not at all how I imagined or dreamed my second Olympics would go but blessed to represent the USA.
“I’ll forever cherish this unique Olympic experience. Thanks everyone for the endless love and support. I’m truly grateful.
“Leaving Tokyo with two more Olympic medals to add to my collection isn’t too shabby! Seven-time Olympic medallist.”
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