This archive report was first published on 27 July 2021.
Simone Biles' historic bid to win six gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics has been dealt a crushing blow after she withdrew from the team event on Tuesday.
The American gymnastics superstar, who had been on course to break the World Championships medals record, pulled out of the competition after a single vault, citing a medical issue.
USA Gymnastics later confirmed that Biles had withdrawn due to a "medical issue" and would be assessed daily.
However, Biles herself downplayed the severity of her injury, joking that she had suffered a "little injury to my pride".
With her withdrawal, Biles' chances of winning six gold medals, which would have cemented her status as the greatest gymnast of all time, have been severely diminished.
Although she could still win five gold medals, which would tie her with four other athletes, including Russian great Larisa Latynina, it seems unlikely.
Latynina won nine gymnastic Olympic golds in the 1950s and '60s, while only Michael Phelps has won more with his 23 swimming golds.
October 13, 2019 Simone Biles of the U.S. celebrates with her five gold medals, breaking the World Championships medals record REUTERS
