Simone Biles thanks fans for “outpouring of love and support” following withdrawal

Still the GOAT.

She may be the best in the world when it comes to gymnastics but after withdrawing from the all-around final, Simone Biles knows how important her mental health is. The four-time Olympic gold medalist dropped out of some gymnastics events yesterday due to overwhelming pressure and mental health reasons. Taking to Twitter, the 24 year old can't thank friends and fans enough for the "outpouring of love and support" she has received since the news broke. Now understanding that she is more than just her gymnastics career, Simone said it was only since the messages came through that she began believing it. https://twitter.com/Simone_Biles/status/1420561448883802118 She wrote: "the outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before." Simone has openly discussed mental health in the past, opening up about being a sexual assault survivor, and now tells US media that we should all "protect our minds and our bodies" and reminds us that "we are people, at the end of the day."

Many celebrities took to social media to show their support for Simone, with a lot of famous faces standing by her side after the big decision.

Justin Bieber, who has cancelled his 2017 Purpose Tour for the same reason, said: "nobody will ever understand the pressures you face! I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw. It’s as simple as - what does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul.

"Sometimes our no’s are more powerful than our yes’s. When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why.

"People thought I was crazy for not finishing the purpose tour but it was the best thing I could have done for my mental health!! So proud of you."

https://twitter.com/Dmoceanu/status/1420396388614037509

Former Olympic gymnast Dominique Moceanu posted a clip of her injury, showing her support for Simone saying: "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—“a say” I NEVER felt I had as an Olympian."

Susan Rice, a senior advisor to President Joe Biden, added: "Thank you to the #GOAT Simone Biles for reminding us that mental health comes first."