Remember this? Simone Biles Christmas Visit to Belize 2016

Many Belizeans who have been following the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo were surprised when an athlete so many of us root for, Simone Biles, withdrew from events due to her concern for her mental health and well-being.  This includes today’s announcement that she will not participate in the final individual all-around competition.  As developments continue to unfold with her current Olympic dreams, tonight News Five brings you a story we aired in 2016, a few months after her Olympic performance that year, when she won five gold medals including best all-around gymnast.  Biles, who has family ties to Belize and holds dual citizenship, arrived on December twenty-second to spend the holidays with loved ones, and get in some much needed downtime—including another sport she loves—fishing.  As you will hear, during a press conference for her arrival, Biles addressed the pressures she faced to be the best. Andrea Polanco and intern Maria Reneau report.

Belizean athletes currently in Toyko are Samantha Dirks, Shaun Gil and Amado Cruz. Their athletic and canoe events are scheduled to begin this weekend.