By Saphora Smith - NBC News
The American gymnast Simone Biles will participate this Tuesday in the Olympic balance beam final of the Tokyo Olympics, after having withdrawn from the other five due to mental health problems, as confirmed by the sports federation of her specialty.
"We are very excited to confirm that you will see two American athletes in the balance beam final tomorrow: Suni Lee and Simone Biles," tweeted the American gymnastics team (USA Gymnastics).
Biles won the bronze medal in this apparatus at the Rio Games
, along with the gold in teams, complete competition, floor and jumping.
Biles, considered the best gymnast in the world, shocked the world last week by suddenly retiring during the team gymnastics final.
The 24-year-old said the emotional cost of the Tokyo Games, and not a physical injury, led her to withdraw.
"Physically I feel good. I'm in shape," he explained in statements to NBC News, Telemundo's sister network, after his announcement.
"Emotionally it varies depending on the moment and the moment. Getting to the Olympics and being the main star is not an easy task," he added.
American gymnast Simone Biles before competing in the Tokyo Olympics team event, Tuesday, July 27, 2021AP Photo / Gregory Bull
USA Gymnastics has since announced that it would not defend its individual gold medal and that it had withdrawn from the uneven bars and jump finals.
His return will be celebrated by his fans around the world, as his absence has become one of the most important stories of these Olympic Games.
The Tokyo Olympics were meant to be a showcase for Biles, a four-time gold medalist who has captivated the gymnastics world with his talent.
Instead, his decision has fueled the debate on mental health and sports.
"For anyone who says I quit: I didn't quit, my mind and body are just out of sync," Biles wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.
“I don't think you realize how dangerous this is on a hard / racing surface.
Nor do I have to explain why I prioritize health.
Physical health is mental health, "he said.
He has received wide support from other athletes, including American Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps, who has spoken openly about his own struggles with depression.
"We carry a lot of things, a lot of weight on our shoulders," he said in an interview with NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico. "And it is a challenge, especially when we have the lights on us and all these expectations that are thrown on us," he concluded.