WHO DG Tedros lauds Simone Biles move to prioritise mental health

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has commended the decision by American gymnast Simone Biles to prioritise mental health.

Simone Biles on Tuesday pulled out of the women’s gymnastics team final at the Olympics.

The 24-year-old withdrew from the event after her vault, saying: "I have to focus on my mental health."

"I just felt like it would be a little bit better to take a backseat, work on my mindfulness and I knew that the girls would do an absolutely great job and I didn't want to risk the team a medal," she said.

WHO boss supported this move saying it is an inspiration to many.

"Simone Biles is an important role model in so many ways, including making the right and brave decision this week. Mental Health is essential to our overall well-being and we need to protect it in whatever way works for each of us," Tedros said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Biles is a 30-time Olympic and World Championship medallist, and needs four podium finishes in Tokyo to become the most decorated gymnast - male or female - in history.

Biles dropped out of the women's team event after a single vault at the Tokyo Games on Tuesday while tennis superstar Naomi Osaka exited only days after lighting the Olympic flame.

The International Gymnastics Federation said Biles would play no further part in the team event, but said she would still receive a medal if the heavily favoured U.S. ended up on the podium.

"Simone has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue," said USA Gymnastics. "She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions."

Biles had been bidding for a record six gold medals in Tokyo.

Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron on Friday to open the Games after a one-year postponement, looked out of sorts and never settled into a rhythm as she lost 6-1 6-4 in the third round to Czech Marketa Vondrousova.