Entertainment
Alex Beresford defends Simone Biles after after GMB rival Piers Morgan dismissed mental health battle
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Alex Beresford has spoken out about Simone Biles withdrawing from two events at the Olympics, praising her for protecting herself from ‘danger’.
The gymnast pulled out after one rotation of the women’s team final at the Tokyo Olympics, as she said she needed to focus on her mental health.
Good Morning Britain’s Alex and Charlotte Hawkins spoke to sports journalist Nadine Batchelor-Hunt and broadcaster Iain Dale about the athlete’s decision.
Nadine said of Biles: ‘It’s clear something wasn’t right from the start of this Olympics.’
Alex, who previously clashed with Piers on the show before his dramatic exit, added: ‘On a serious note, it can be quite dangerous, you know if you’re not mentally prepared to go into a difficult routine you could really hurt yourself.’
Ian went on to say: ‘Over the last 48 hours, the people who are questioning her. What right has anyone got to question somebody who is clearly in a very traumatic state at the moment?
Biles chose to focus on her mental health (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I think it’s outrageous that people think they can do this and almost revel in the controversy. I just think it’s wrong.’
Former GMB host Piers recently came under fire for his criticism of Biles, after he dubbed her withdrawal a ‘joke’.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘Are “mental health issues” now the go-to excuse for any poor performance in elite sport? What a joke.
Piers has come under fire after his comments (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
‘Just admit you did badly, made mistakes, and will strive to do better next time. Kids need strong role models not this nonsense.’
However, stars including Matt Damon and Justin Bieber have spoken out in support of Biles.
She explained of her decision: ‘I just think mental health is more prevalent in sports right now, we have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.
More: Mental health
‘I don’t trust myself as much any more, maybe it’s getting older. There were a couple of days when everybody tweets you and you feel the weight of the world.
‘We’re not just athletes, we’re people at the end of the day and sometimes you just have to step back.’
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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