Simone Biles’ Olympic Games opened with high drama after she was forced to withdraw from the team final with a “medical issue” after just one rotation.
Biles misjudged her opening vault, scoring 13.766, the lowest of the first rotation, before leaving the floor briefly with the US team trainer.
Although the 24-year-old returned, she put on her tracksuit and did not compete in the Americans’ next apparatus, the uneven bars.
On Wednesday she withdrew from the individual all-around competition. A USA Gymnastics statement said Biles would be evaluated to see if she can take part in individual apparatus competitions still ahead. Her place in the all-around will be taken by Jade Carey.
Biles made the decision so she “can focus on her mental health,” USA Gymnastics said.
There are now major doubts over whether Biles will take part in any of the individual events but she has not yet officially withdrawn from the vault, beam, parallel bars or floor competitions.
On Sunday, Biles had qualified for every individual apparatus final and finished top of the all-around standings, staying on track for a potential six golds in the Japanese capital.
But she looked far from dominant at times, as the US team were eclipsed in the qualifying standings by the Russian Olympic Committee, the first time since 2010 that they had been pipped to top spot.
And Biles’ mistake on the vault has renewed doubts over her ability to repeat her stunning performance in Rio where she won four gold medals.
Reserve Jordan Chiles stepped in to replace Biles and performed admirably as the US rallied to win silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.
Great Britain claimed the bronze.
