Rory McIlroy "Very Impressed" With Simone Biles After Olympic Withdrawal
Rory McIlroy has shown his support for Simone Biles after she withdrew from the gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympics
Rory McIlroy has shown his support for Simone Biles after she withdrew from the gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympics
Rory McIlroy "Very Impressed" With Simone Biles After Olympic Withdrawal
Rory McIlroy has supported Simone Biles' decision to withdraw from the gymnastics women's team and all-around finals at the Tokyo Olympics.
The Northern Irishman is currently in Japan representing Ireland in the Men's Golf Competition, and has backed Biles' choice to prioritise her mental health, highlighting that it is just as important as physical health.
"I mean the mental health conversation, it's not taboo anymore" McIlroy said.
"People can talk about it just as somebody has a knee or elbow injury, if you don't feel 100 per cent right mentally that's an injury too."
Biles, a four-time Olympic gold medallist, had the weight of the US on her shoulders heading into the Games, something McIlroy witnessed first-hand.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"I live in the United States and anything that came on the TV about the Olympics, it was Simone Biles.
"You got 300-whatever-million (people in the USA), so the weight on her shoulders is massive."
The golfer continued, showing his support not just for Biles, but for tennis player Naomi Osaka too.
"Just as I thought Naomi Osaka was right to do what she did at the French Open and take that time off and get herself in the right place, I one hundred per cent agree with what Simone is doing as well.
"I mean you have to put yourself in the best position physically and mentally to be at your best and if you don't feel like you're at that or you're in that position, then you're going to have to make those decisions.
"I'm certainly very impressed with, especially those two women, to do what they did and put themselves first."
McIlroy is also pleased that the conversation has started around mental health in sport, with such high profile athletes at the top of their respective disciplines speaking out about the pressures they're facing.
"Some people just have thicker skin than some others and can maybe just handle it a little better and are predisposed to handle it better, but some people have to know when enough is enough and I'm glad that at least the conversation has started."
Ryan has worked as a junior staff writer for Golf Monthly since 2021.
-
Rio Takeda Continues Incredible Run Of Form With Lengthy Playoff Win In Home Open
Takeda added to her incredible run of form in 2024, as the Japanese star secured the TOTO Japan Classic title in a six hole playoff against Marina Alex
By Matt Cradock Published
-
What’s The Best College Golf Team Of All Time?
There have been some standout college teams through the years, but which was the best?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath Last updated
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021
Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
By Jeremy Chapman Published
-
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
By Matt Cradock Published