Simeone’s struggle

Simone Biles was shocked to withdraw from the women’s rhythmic gymnastics final to protect her mental health.

The 24-year-old girl said she “does not want to be dragged out by a stretcher” and added: “We must protect our body and mind.”

After withdrawing from the team finals on Tuesday, she confirmed that she was not injured and added: “It just caused a little damage to my self-esteem.

“I have to focus on my mental health.

“I just think that mental health is now more common in sports… We must protect our minds and our bodies, not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.

“I don’t trust myself that much anymore, maybe it’s getting old.

“For a few days, everyone will tweet you on Twitter, and you will feel the weight of the world.

“We are not just athletes, we are people at the end of the day, and sometimes you just have to take a step back.

“We have to protect our bodies and our minds. When you fight your own head, it’s bad.”