Olympic champion Simone Biles withdraws from Tokyo all-around event

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Olympic champion Simone Biles withdraws from Tokyo all-around event

TOKYO — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar has withdrawn from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics says in a statement that the 24-year-old is opting not to compete.

The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final in Tokyo following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around.

Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee.

International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

The organization says Biles will be evaluated before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events.

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