SIMONE BILES RESPONDS TO CRITICISM OVER HOLIDAY AFTER HEALTH EMERGENCY

Simone Biles has responded to social media criticism directed at her following a holiday to Belize taken weeks after she experienced a medical emergency. The seven-time Olympic gold medallist described the health incident as "almost dying" and stated she had taken the trip with her husband, Jonathan Owels, to recover. Biles characterised the critical comments as creating a "false narrative" around the circumstances of her travel.

The gymnast indicated this was the second occasion in three months on which she had felt compelled to address the same criticism. She described the negative commentary as something that made her "sad". Biles had sought to use the holiday period to recharge after the medical event.

Biles' response comes as she continues to manage public perception of her health situation. The timing of her remarks underscores ongoing scrutiny of her personal decisions following the medical emergency. No further details regarding the nature of the health incident were disclosed in her statement.