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LetMyPeopleVote

(155,711 posts)
4. Simone Biles 'shows how much gymnastics has changed'
Wed Aug 4, 2021, 01:08 PM
Aug 2021

As a Texan, we are very proud of Simone




Biles' decision to withdraw from all but the balance beam finals events at the Tokyo games "simply wasn't an option in 1996," Moceanu says.

"Having a choice — it changes everything."

Like many athletes, she applauded Biles's decision to step back from Olympics events after the gymnast became deeply disoriented on a vault during the team qualifiers. "It's not worth risking your body and your mind," Moceanu says.

"Good for her to step up recognise it and say, 'I am unsure of myself right now I do not feel safe, nor do I want to jeopardise Team USA and a medal because if I keep doing what I just did on the vault, that's not going to end well.'"

Today, Moceanu is an advocate for gymnasts and has testified before the US Senate Judiciary Committee in support of a bill to protect young athletes.

She now coaches other gymnasts in her own camp in Ohio, and is hopeful that Biles' experience is part of a positive change in how gymnasts are treated.

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