Simone Biles is still 'the GOAT': Fans shower gymnast with love after Tokyo Olympic finals

Simone Biles, 24, faced a crushing defeat at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women's gymnastics' finals Tuesday as she stepped away from the competition early because of a "medical issue." Fans were quick to remind the world this is merely a blip in the celebrated gymnast's outstanding career.

© Danielle Parhizkaran, USA TODAY Sports Simone Biles (USA) talks with her team after pulling out of the women's team final at the Tokyo Olympics.

The Olympic medalist left the competition after struggling to stick her landing on vault during Team USA's first event of the night. Once Biles was out of the competition, the team representing the Russia Olympic Committee took gold and Team USA placed for silver. 

The reaction from Biles' teammates and fans? Love and support. After all, achieving a total of six Olympic medals, one in Tokyo and five from the Rio Olympics, is no easy feat.  

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"This is a team of four, not a team of one," former Team USA teammate Laurie Hernandez said on the "Today" show as a commentator. "You never want to have this thought of piggybacking off of her; that's too much pressure, and nobody can handle that."

Gymnast Morgan Hurd, the 2017 World all-around champion, tweeted she was "so insanely proud of this team. no one but them knows how hard this sport is not only physically but mentally and they handled everything with grace. couldn’t be more proud, love you guys."

so insanely proud of this team. no one but them knows how hard this sport is not only physically but mentally and they handled everything with grace. couldn’t be more proud, love you guys https://t.co/UdPr8rLa0e

— morgan hurd (@morgihurd) July 27, 2021

Biles has one of the most memorable timelines in gymnastic history, becoming the most decorated World Champion gymnast and having a difficult flip named after her.

The mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, declared Aug. 24, 2016, "Simone Biles Day" after she returned home from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio where she won four gold medals and one bronze. 

In 2018, Biles became the first American to medal at every event during at the gymnastics World Championships.

Biles made history again in 2019 at the World Championship after nailing a triple-double, which is now named after her. 

Simone Biles soars in gymnastics: Graphics explain two of her power moves

In light of all of her accomplishments, Twitter users reminded the world she will always be "the GOAT," or greatest of all time. "Today" anchor Hoda Kotb called Biles "a class act" who "already won."

Someone said it best. @Simone_Biles already won. She is a class act. Withdrew from team competion after vault... stayed and cheered on her teammates... got them chalk for their hands.. encouraged.. hugged them. She already won. Congrats on the silver medal! @TeamUSA @USAGym

— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) July 27, 2021

What #SimoneBiles did by pulling out of the final for her own mental wellness takes an entirely different kind of strength, one we should be learning from and commending just as much if not more.

— Fiza Pirani (@fizapirani) July 27, 2021

The goat. Forever. @simone_biles pic.twitter.com/gOvPcgwDt8

— New Georgia Project (@NewGAProject) July 27, 2021

And while the vaults and skills and medals are cool, I think the most valuable thing that @Simone_Biles has given us is the reminder that the well-being of the athlete comes first. Full stop.

— Spanny Lee Tampson (@SpannyTampson) July 27, 2021

Simone Biles is only human. I hope you all remember that before you post your takes on here.

— Becca Winkert (@BeccaMVP) July 27, 2021

Gratitude and support are what @Simone_Biles deserves. Still the GOAT and we are all just lucky to be able to see her in action. And congrats and tks to the tough as nails #TeamUSA @sunisalee_ , @ChilesJordan, @grace_mccallum2 for being role models and champs

— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) July 27, 2021

Biles continued to support her teammates as they competed in the other events before winning second place behind the ROC.

After the competition, Biles said she withdrew after second-guessing herself and wanted to take a step back. 

"Whenever you get in high-stress situations, you kind of freak out and don’t really know how to handle all of those emotions especially at the Olympic Games," Biles said. "I have to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health."

The Olympian said she would take a break Wednesday before deciding whether to compete in the all-around competition Thursday. 

'Sometimes it's hard': Simone Biles acknowledges Tokyo expectations tough to handle

Get to know Jordan Chiles: From nearly giving up on gymnastics to competing at Tokyo Olympics

Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Simone Biles is still 'the GOAT': Fans shower gymnast with love after Tokyo Olympic finals