Karlsson determined to make her presence felt at Tokyo Games

TOKYO, July 28 – Sri Lanka’s Mathilda Karlsson, who is due to compete in equestrian at the 2020 Olympic Games here, studied her schedule and had a good workout today.

The 36-year-old Hamburg based Lankan will be the last of the nine Lankan competitors to be seen in action on August 3.

Since equestrian is not a popular sport in Sri Lanka, Karlsson had to battle till the very end with the organisers although she made a direct qualification.

Now that she has won that battle, the Germany based Lankan is determined to make her presence felt. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s 800m women’s runner Nimali Liyanarachchi completed all her pre-event workouts today. She will take a full day’s rest tomorrow before coming out for her event on Friday.

Biles out of Olympics

USA today confirmed that six-time Olympic medallist Simone Biles will not participate in tomorrow’s Women’s all-around final.

“After further medical evaluation, Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health,” a statement from USA Gymnastics said.

“She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week’s individual event finals. Jade Carey, who had the ninth highest score in qualifications, will participate in her place in the all-around,” it added.

USA Gymnastics said they will wholeheartedly support her decision and applaud her bravery in prioritising her well-being.

“Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many,” the statement added.

Earlier, USA Gymnastics confirmed that Biles had gone to practice. Biles scratched from Tuesday’s Women’s team final after missing an attempt at a two-and-a-half twisting vault.

She performed just one-and-a-half twists, landed in a deep squat and scored just 13.733. Team USA picked up without its star in the final three rotations – uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.

“I think they get a gold medal in fighting. They never gave up and looked at them, they did exactly what I said they would do, they were going to go out there and do what they were supposed to. Now, they’re Olympic Silver Medallists,” Biles said.

Biles said her main concern in withdrawing from the team event was costing her teammates a medal.