Yahoo Finance Celebrities Share Their Support for Simone Biles Following Her Sudden Women's Team Event Exit
In a sudden turn of events, Simone Biles exited the women's gymnastics team final on Tuesday night in Japan after stumbling through her first event on the vault. Speaking with reporters after the final ended, Biles said she was "okay, just dealing with some things internally which will get fixed out in the next couple of days."
In a statement to PEOPLE and other outlets, USA Gymnastics said during the event that "Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."
Following the news, Biles shared a photo of her teammates Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum on Instagram and thanked them for "being there for me and having my back!"
"OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALISTS 🤍," she began. "I'm SO proud of these girls right here. You girls are incredibly brave & talented! I'll forever be inspired by your determination to not give up and to fight through adversity!"
She added, "They stepped up when I couldn't. thanks for being there for me and having my back! forever love y'all."
Teammate Lee commented, "love you so much. thank you for inspiring me every single day. you are not only an amazing gymnast but you are also an amazing person. 💕🤞🏼"
Simone Biles
Chiles also commented, "You will forever be loved. We can't thank you enough. You have such a huge inspiration on all of us. We wouldn't have done it without you🥺💕 love you mo 🤞🏾❤️"
Additionally, several celebrities sent tweets of support following Tuesday's news, reminding 24-year-old Biles just how much she is loved and respected as an Olympian and role model.
Hoda Kotb
Someone said it best. @Simone_Biles already won. She is a class act. Withdrew from team competion after vault... stayed and cheered on her teammates... got them chalk for their hands.. encouraged.. hugged them. She already won. Congrats on the silver medal! @TeamUSA @USAGym
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) July 27, 2021
The Today co-host applauded Biles' leadership, calling her a "class act" for her ability to keep her head up and be there for her teammates.
Adam Rippon
I can't imagine the pressure Simone has been feeling. Sending her SO much love. It easy to forget she's still human. WE LOVE YOU.
— Adam Rippon (@AdamRippon) July 27, 2021
The figure skating champion reminds us all that although Biles may seem superhuman with extraordinary talent, "she's still human" and deserves her time to rest and recuperate.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Sending nothing but love and positivity to the 🐐 @Simone_Biles
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) July 27, 2021
The Minnesota Timberwolves star shared "nothing but love and positivity" to the greatest of all time.
Meghan McCain
We love you @Simone_Biles!
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 27, 2021
The former co-host of The View kept it simple and sweet: "We love you @Simone_Biles!"
Andy Cohen
We love you @Simone_Biles !!! 🇺🇸
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 27, 2021
The host of What What Happens Live with Andy Cohen also sent his love, paired with an American flag emoji.
Nikki A.S.H.
So much love and respect to @Simone_Biles
💯💯💯 class all the way. Empowering.
Inspiring. #Olympics
💙💛💙💛 https://t.co/aZtK8SKTcp— Nikki A.S.H (@WWENikkiASH) July 27, 2021
The WWE star reposted Kotb's tweet to add, "So much love and respect to @Simone_Biles"
Janet Jackson
Jackson stands firm on supporting Biles, tweeting, "I stand with you."
Michelle Obama
Am I good enough? Yes, I am. The mantra I practice daily. @Simone_Biles, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you. Congratulations on the the silver medal, Team @USA! 🎊
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 28, 2021
The former First Lady shared how proud she was of Biles, writing, "we are rooting for you."
Kerry Washington
It takes the strength, power and bravery of a CHAMPION to put your health first. @Simone_Biles, we love you. Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wp6CJE4a4o
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) July 27, 2021
The actress reminded everyone that putting your health first is the true medal-worthy move.
Justin Bieber
"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," the singer wrote on Instagram in support of Biles. "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."
He added, "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 @simonebiles"
