In most sport mental injury or health is as important as the physical aspect, however in the past - and to tis day maybe - that fact has not been accepted, and to admit you were not mentally fit would be jumped on as a character failing. And fairly or not exploited by your opponents.
It would have been easy for Biles to fall back on a "I have a physical injury" excuse, as most in the past have done. To admit the truth is unusual and brave, hence the praise. It may make her a better athlete for the next games.
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