Simone Biles’ withdrawal from the individual all-around competition to focus on her mental health has opened the door for another US gymnast.
Jade Carey, the 21-year-old from Phoenix, Ariz., will replace Simone Biles in the competition, USA gymnastics said.
Carey finished ninth in the qualifiers and did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind the 24-year-old Biles and 18-year-old Sunisa Lee.
The International Gymnastics Federation only allows two gymnasts per country for the finals.
“We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being,’ USA Gymnastics said in a statement. “Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many.”
Carey scored a 56.265 in the all-around competition qualifiers, behind Biles (57.731) and Lee scored (57.166).
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Carey spent two years competing in World Cup events, earning enough points to earn an individual nominative spot. She ended up winning gold in the vault and floor competitions in the 2020 Melbourne World Cup and the 2019 Doha World Cup and Baku World Cup, securing her a spot in the Olympics.
In qualifiers, the Oregon State senior also scored a 15.166 in the vault, 14.133 in the uneven bars, 12.866 in the balance beam and 14.100 on the floor. Her vault score was good enough for second place, and her floor score placed her in third.
Now, Carey will replace Biles and attempt to bring home gold in the all-around events.
