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Simone Biles' Olympics Withdrawal Puts Focus On The Pressure Gymnasts, Other Athletes Face

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Simone Biles waits to perform on the vault during the artistic gymnastics women's final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Tokyo. (Gregory Bull/AP)
Simone Biles waits to perform on the vault during the artistic gymnastics women's final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Tokyo. (Gregory Bull/AP)

After Simone Biles — the greatest gymnast of all time — withdrew from the Olympics this week, the pressure on gymnasts and other athletes is in the spotlight.

Gymnastics prizes physical and mental perfection, which can lead athletes to push themselves beyond their capacities.

Here & Now's Robin Young speaks with Dr. Carlin Anderson, a sports psychologist, about the consequences.

This segment aired on July 29, 2021.

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