Tokyo 2020 – Simone Biles reveals her aunt ‘unexpectedly’ died two days before balance beam final

"Two days ago my aunt unexpectedly passed, and that was something I wasn't expecting to happen at the Olympic Games either,” Simone Biles told reporters after picking up bronze in the balance beam final. The American had already pulled out of four individual events before competing despite learning of the devastating news in the family.

Simone Biles revealed her aunt “unexpectedly” died two days before the gymnast competed in the balance beam final at Tokyo 2020.

The American won bronze in the final individual event after pulling out of the previous four competitions – the all-around, vault, uneven bars and floor.

Biles had suffered the ‘twisties’ during the vault in the team final, and said she was battling with her mental health when revealing she would take her Tokyo participation day by day.

Tokyo 2020

Biles surprised by family as gymnast makes emotional return home after Olympics

06/08/2021 at 05:47

She returned to action on Tuesday, and after taking bronze she said a difficult week was made even tougher when hearing of the shock death in the family.

'Biles is back!' - Gymnastics superstar with stunning beam routine for bronze

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Two days ago my aunt unexpectedly passed, and that was something I wasn't expecting to happen at the Olympic Games either,” Biles told reporters.

Biles’ coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi also opened up about the devastating news.

"That was another one, I was like, 'Oh my God. This week needs to be over,'" Canqueteau-Landi said, per People. "I asked her what do you need. And she said, 'I just need some time.'

Watch delighted Biles receive bronze medal on the podium after beam

Video credit: TNT Sports

“I said, 'You call me, text me if you need anything I'll be here. Whatever that is.' She called her parents. She said, 'There's nothing I can do from over here. So I'm just going to finish my week and when I get home we'll deal with it.'"

Biles said this bronze was much “sweeter” than the one she picked up at Rio 2016, and Canqueteau-Landi admitted there were “a lot of tears” throughout the duration of the competitions.

"We've had a lot of tears combined because as much as we're happy for Team USA, in the back, it was a little heart-breaking to know that she could've been out there and she could've, hopefully, earned some medals as well," Canqueteau-Landi said.

'Great performance' - Biles celebrates winning seventh Olympic medal with bronze

Video credit: TNT Sports

Tokyo 2020

Biles leaving 'the door open' for Olympic return at Paris 2024

04/08/2021 at 16:39

Tokyo 2020

Sky Brown, skateboarding and the youth explosion ripping up Olympics

04/08/2021 at 16:20