Piers Morgan admits he was wrong about Simone Biles' Tokyo Olympics exit after she bags gold in Paris

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Piers Morgan acknowledged that criticizing Simone Biles over her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics was a mistake after she led the US women's gymnastics team to a gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday, July 30. 

The British broadcaster faced a wave of backlash in 2021 after he condemned the high-profile Olympian's decision saying she had let down her teammates as well as dismissed her mental health concerns. 

Piers Morgan admits he was 'too harsh' on Simone Biles when she withdrew from team finals at 2021 Tokyo Olympics

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Piers Morgan wrote, "Congrats @simonebiles on becoming the most decorated American gymnast of all time. I was too harsh on you in 2021 when you quit the team finals," attaching a photo of himself and Simone Biles. 

He added, "You’re a great champion, and have since proved me wrong in the best possible way — by letting your supreme talent do the talking."

The 27-year-old's withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics was a significant moment, not only in her career but also in the broader conversation about athletes' mental health.

She had cited "the twisties," a dangerous condition where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness mid-air, as the reason for stepping back. 

"It’s so dangerous. It’s basically life or death. It’s a miracle I landed on my feet. If that was any other person, they would have gone out on a stretcher. As soon as I landed that vault, I went and told my coach: ‘I cannot continue,'" Biles later explained during an interview, as per the Daily Wire. 

At the time, Morgan was quick to criticize her decision. He even penned a Daily Mail op-ed titled, "Sorry Simone Biles, but there’s nothing heroic or brave about quitting because you’re not having ‘fun’ – you let down your team-mates, your fans and your country."

In a tweet, the journalist appeared to shade her mental health concerns as he wrote, "Are ‘mental health issues’ now the go-to excuse for any poor performance in elite sport? What a joke. Just admit you did badly, made mistakes, and will strive to do better next time. Kids need strong role models not this nonsense."

In his op-ed, he further dismissed Biles' struggles and expressed a preference for the version of the athlete who would "do whatever it took to win."

Morgan's comments were part of a pattern of dismissive remarks towards those facing mental health challenges. He had previously faced criticism for his comments on Meghan Markle following her interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she spoke about her own mental health struggles.

His criticism of Meghan led to a significant controversy, culminating in him storming off the set of his own show when confronted about his comments. 

Internet reacts as Piers Morgan addresses past criticism of Olympian Simone Biles

Netizens were divided over Piers Morgan's admission of being "too harsh" on Simone Biles regarding her decision to withdraw from the team finals at the Tokyo Olympics. 

One said, "Always good for someone to be able to admit they were wrong. The world needs more humility," and another remarked, "Good of you to apologize , Piers Morgan."

"One thing about Piers Morgan ? He’s got a big mouth but he sure comes around to apologise when he’s wrong . Top bloke," expressed a person, while someone else noted, "Cudos to you on admitting you’re wrong when you were… not many people do these days. Especially, publicly on social media platforms."

However, not all responses were positive, as one remarked, "Piers. You’re forgiven. Nobody rarely takes u seriously anyway." Another mentioned, "Harsh is saying it lightly. You were mean and disgusting."

"Morgan, you're always wrong until it suits you," opined an individual. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.