Piers Morgan’s latest column has almost predictably caused controversy as he voiced his opinion on Olympian Simone Biles.
The former Good Morning Britain host, 56, called the American gymnast’s decision to withdraw from the games “a joke” on Twitter.
He shared his Daily Mail column to his 7.9million Twitter followers in which he has voiced his opinion on the four-times gold medalist’ choice to opt out from the rest of the Tokyo games to focus on her mental health.
Simone, 24, who has 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, released a statement soon after receiving her lowest score of 13.766nn
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
She said: “After the performance I did, I just didn’t want to go on.
“I have to focus on my mental health. 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.”
Simone explained: “I don’t trust myself as much anymore.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“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.
“I didn’t want to go out and do something stupid and get hurt. I feel like a lot of athletes speaking up has really helped.
“It’s so big, it’s the Olympic Games. At the end of the day we don’t want to be carried out of there on a stretcher.”
(Image: GC Images)
Piers hit back at Simone’s statement, saying: “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.”
The journalist and TV presenter said: “Simone Biles calls herself the Greatest of All Time – but no GOAT would quit on their teammates like that, costing them an Olympic gold medal.
“Kids need strong role models not this nonsense.”
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Soon after his column was published, Piers’ mentions were teaming with angry comments.
One said: “Omg… did you actually just say people are using mental health as an excuse for poor performance? You’re unbelievable.”
“Chill on this my guy, we never know what people are going through, mentally,” vented another.
“Mate just log off,” another advised.
Piers later tweeted: “You can either listen to snowflake Twitter, @Simone_Biles – or listen to me. You’re a great champion, and great champions get back on their feet when they get knocked down. So, re-engage in these Games, win Gold, and inspire with the power of resilience not resignation. Go for it.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Reminding his followers of his own situation when he walked off Good Morning Britain, Piers wrote: “Twitter when I walked off GMB because I was a bit stressed out: ‘YOU’RE A PATHETIC, GUTLESS, COWARDLY, WEAK, SHAMEFUL FAILURE! MAN UP! Twitter when their favourite athletes quit because they’re a bit stressed out: ‘YOU’RE A BRAVE INSPIRING, ICONIC HERO!'”
To which his followers replied: “Oh wow….you’ve buckled.”
Another said: “Completely contradicts what you said earlier. Make your mind up.”
While a third added: “Changed your tune now hey?”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
