Simone Biles has hit back at criticism she received over the summer after pulling out of events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics over concern for her own mental health.
Several questions were raised including controversial former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan criticizing her and accusing her of letting her country down over her withdrawal to focus on her mental health.
The 24-year-old American gymnast later returned to the competition in time for the balance beam final and ended up winning a bronze medal and silver medal for the women’s team all-around.
Four weeks on, Biles has been reflecting on a busy summer on social media.
Showing off her two medals, she wrote: ‘Can’t believe it’s already been a month. Definitely not the way I planned the Olympics going but I wouldn’t change anything for the world. ‘I’m proud of myself and the career I’ve had thus far.’
‘This Olympics doesn’t erase the past accomplishments I’ve achieved nor does it define who I am as an athlete,’ she wrote in her post. ‘I’ve pushed through so much the past couple years, the word quitter is not in my vocabulary.
‘For some of you that may be how you define me,’ she added, ‘but keep talking because I can’t hear you over my seven Olympic medals which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as most decorated American gymnast.’
Biles is the most decorated female gymnast of all time, and boasts 30 world and Olympics titles so far during her career.
The 24-year-old would have hoped to add to her four Olympic gold medals in Tokyo but struggled with her mental health amid difficult circumstances didn’t make that happen.
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast. With a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is tied as the most decorated gymnast of all time.
Biles’ seven Olympic medals also ties Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medals won by an American female gymnast.
go girlll