Biles praised after withdrawal in final

American gymnast Simone Biles was praised for prioritising "mental wellness over all else" after pulling out of the Olympic women's team final.

"You've made us so proud," said Sarah Hirshland, chief executive of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

The US were favourites for gold after winning five successive world titles - in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019 - in addition to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in London and Rio.

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.

Jamaica gymnast Danusia Francis said: "Don't know about you but I think Simone Biles just empowered everyone to put their mental wellbeing above everything else.

Former Great Britain gymnast Beth Tweddle, a bronze medallist in 2012, said on BBC One: "Since 2013 she's been undefeated in the all-around so every competition she goes in, everyone expects her to be perfection, and it's just not possible.

France gymnast Melanie de Jesus dos Santos said: "We are not used to seeing Simone Biles like this.

Second place brought Biles her sixth Olympic medal, and she also won 19 world titles between 2013 and 2019.

Jordan Chiles, 20, replaced Biles in the women's team final, and said: "That was a huge thing.

Former Olympic champion and retired US gymnast Aly Raisman said: "I feel sick to my stomach.

"It's just so much pressure, and I've been watching how much pressure has been on her in the months leading up to the Games - and it's just devastating

Boxer Manny Pacquiao said "once a champion, always a champion", while US alpine skier and two-time Olympic gold medallist Mikaela Shiffrin added: "Keep whipping out that smile of yours cause it is undeniably golden."

Karl-Anthony Towns of NBA side Minnesota Timberwolves sent "nothing but love and positivity", while retired US figure skater Adam Rippon said: "I can't imagine the pressure Simone has been feeling

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said: "Gratitude and support are what Simone Biles deserves