The Silver Lining

Team USA Women’s Sports: Simone Biles Withdraws, USA Gymnastics & Softball Finish With Silver Medals

Two Team USA women’s sports failed to secure gold on Tuesday morning in Tokyo after a bizarre turn of events regarding Simone Biles. The world’s greatest gymnast, arguably of all-time, withdrew after the first rotation. A few moments later, the USA softball team also failed to win their gold medal game against Japan. While both USA squads were the favorites, silver medals are spectacular accomplishments. Biles’ courage and team-first attitude provided a silver lining to a silver Tuesday.

Women’s Gymnastics: USA Places 2nd Behind Russia

After placing second in the qualifying round, Team USA women’s gymnastics finished second to Russia again in the team event. Simone Biles withdrew herself from the event for “medical reasons” after a misstep in her vault landing. She did not have a significant injury. She later discussed mental health and pressure challenges at the podium. Biles suggested that her confidence was shaken as she stepped aside to let her teammates shine. The United States had won every Olympics and World Championships event in the last decade.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Biles has officially withdrawn from the women’s all-around competition on Thursday.

USA Softball: USA Loses to Japan in Finals

After going undefeated in group play, the USA softball team was shutout by Japan (2-0). The 39-year-old Japanese pitcher Yukiko Ueno went six scoreless innings while giving up just two hits and zero runs. Canada defeated Mexico on Monday to win the bronze medal.

Other Team USA Highlights

Women’s Soccer: USA Draws Australia (0-0)

The USWNT played Australia to a 0-0 draw in Tuesday’s third and final match of group play. The women’s squad was seemingly content to take the draw and advance into the quarterfinals. They’ll face the Netherlands at 7:00 am ET on Friday morning.

Women’s Surfing: Hawaii’s Carissa Moore Wins Gold

In the inaugural year of surfing as an Olympic sport, Hawaii’s Carissa Moore won the gold medal in women’s surfing by beating South Africa’s Bianca Buitendag. Moore is a four-time World Surf League champion, and now a gold medal winner.

Women’s Swimming: Katie Ledecky Wins 1500M Free

After finishing with a silver in the 400-meter freestyle on Sunday, Katie Ledecky failed to medal in the 200-meter freestyle last night, but she wasn’t done. About an hour after a disappointing swim, Ledecky won gold in the first-ever 1500-meter freestyle. USA teammate Erica Sullivan took silver in the event. Women’s swimmers Alex Walsh and Kate Douglass also took silver and bronze, respectively, in the 200-meter individual medley to round out a four-medal night in the pool.

Additional Storylines

USA Today: Simone Biles Withdraws From All-Around Final on Thursday

Yahoo! Sports: What Simone Biles Said to Her Teammates After Withdrawing From Team Competition

OLYMPICS 🏅