The pressure for favorites to deliver is immense. It is why we often see rookie teenagers sneak a gold (i.e. Jacoby from Alaska last night) ... as the kids do not have the same pressure.
[Let's see how Ledecky does tonight].
Biles is a true champion, and already the most dominant in her sport.
On the other hand, these athletes compete year round, and are used to big time stages. Mental toughness is part of the deal.
But, no stage compares to the Olympics. Simone had tons of attention poured upon her by the media and Madison Avenue leading up to the hype of these games.
I make no excuses for Simone. But, I understand how she may have crossed a tipping point, and am truly sympathetic for her predicament. I wholeheartedly agree w/ Baron's sentiments below that Simone wisely recognized that she was in a danger zone.