Gymnastics

Justin Bieber to Simone Biles: ‘Nobody Will Ever Understand the Pressures You Face'

The pop star said he was proud of Biles' decision to withdraw from the team and individual gymnastics finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

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Justin Bieber says he knows what Olympian gymnast Simone Biles is going through.

In a heartfelt Instagram post Wednesday afternoon, the pop star wrote that "nobody will ever understand the pressures" facing Biles as she pulled out of both the team and the all-around gymnastics finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games this week.

"I know we don’t know each other but I’m so proud of the decision to withdraw," Bieber wrote. "It’s as simple as - what does it mean to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul."

Biles pulled out of both events citing her emotional wellbeing and the immense pressure of being the most visible American athlete in Tokyo. Her decision resulted in Olympic silver for the U.S. in the team gymnastics competition and sparked heated debate online over both mental health and sportsmanship.

Bieber went on to compare Biles' withdrawals to his own decision to cancel the last leg of a tour for his fourth studio album, 'Purpose,' in 2017.

Dominique Dawes, a member of the so-called Magnificent Seven of the Atlanta Games in 1996, reacts to Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from the team gymnastics final in Tokyo.

"When what you normally love starts to steal your joy it’s important we take a step back to evaluate why," Bieber wrote.

Biles was a favorite to win gold in every event in which she is competing, and has been replaced by Jade Carey in the all-around final on Thursday. But USA gymnastics has said she will be evaluated before participating in her two remaining finals - vault and floor exercise. Both events are scheduled for Sunday.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics may be Jade Carey’s first Olympics Games, but she’s already a star in the gymnastics world. Here are five things to know about the U.S. athlete who is filling in for Simone Biles in the women’s gymnastics all-around.
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