Local gymnasts react to Simone Biles pulling out of Olympic finals

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - The United States got some devastating news this morning as Olympic gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of the finals.

“I just felt like it would be a little better to take a back seat. Work on my mindfulness, I knew that the girls would do an absolutely great job,” said Simone Biles, Olympic Gymnasts.

The reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles describing the decision she made to not compete at the final, saying the games have taken a toll on her mentally.

“It has been really stressful these Olympic games, I think. Just as a whole, not having an audience. There are a lot of different variables going into it. It’s been a long week, a long Olympic process, it’s been a long year,” said Biles.

Gymnasts at Arrow Athletics in Jackson have been watching Team USA and understand the pressure Biles is experiencing.

“It’s pretty intense especially at that level just because I mean you have the whole country behind you wanting you to win, place, and do good. So, it’s really tough,” said Lydia Rice, a gymnast at Arrow Athletics.

The coach at Arrow Athletics commends her decision not to compete.

“When you are not mentally ready for that it is hard you are the only person. All eyes are on you. But, she showed our kids that you have bad days and that’s ok,” said Nicole Glancy, the gym director at Arrow Athletics.

One of the younger gymnasts at arrow was super excited to watch the competition and still looks up to Biles as a role model.

“I was really, really excited to see to watch Simone. She’s my favorite gymnast,” said Darcy Rice, a gymnast at Arrow Athletics.

Team USA finished the competition without Biles and received silver medals.