Mental health advocates call Simone Biles 'brave' for withdrawing from Olympic team finals At first, people thought Biles was hurt. She later said the emotional toll of the Tokyo Games caused her exit. Author: Morgan Romero Updated: 7:21 PM PDT July 27, 2021 PORTLAND, Oregon — Early Tuesday morning, Team USA Gymnastics won silver. But Simone Biles — considered the best gymnast of all time — shocked the world when she pulled out of the competition. She cited her mental health as the reason. Arguably the biggest star at the Olympics, Biles, 24, walked off the floor Tuesday after her vault rotation during the U.S. gymnastics team final.