Simone Biles’ Gold Over America Tour Teammate Exits Event After Heartbreaking Injury

The Simone Biles-led Gold Over America Tour is already in full swing with stops made in three states already. On the tour, we have seen Biles alongside other Paris stars Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey light up the Crypto.com Arena in LA and dance to the beats of Beyonce in California. The next destination for the tour is Utah, but before the event on September 23, a somber update hit the GOAT camp.

After their heroics in the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles announced the return of the Gold Over America Tour as a celebration of gymnastics. The tour is defined as a “gymnastics-meets-pop- concert spectacle,” and is seen as a mix of sports and entertainment. This time around the tour also included male gymnasts, unlike the first edition in 2021. Names such as Brody Malone, Paul Juda, and Fred Richard among others were named as part of the men’s contingent. However, a male gymnast has provided an injury update leading to his withdrawal from the tour.

Earlier today (September 23), 2x World Championships medalist Donnell Whittenburg took to Instagram to announce that he will be exiting the Gold Over America Tour. Revealing that he has incurred an injury, Whittenburg started the post with a rather philosophical thought. “Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges our way, You really never know, what to expect, but there’s a reason for everything,” he wrote before noting that he had been injured while performing on tour.

Unfortunately, I got hurt on the tour. It’s tough to step away, especially all the work I put in. But health comes first,” the 30-year-old explained further. Sharing a carousel of images of himself with his teammates, Donnell went on to say that his injury won’t stop him from cheering for others.

“I know you’ll bring all the energy, passion, and magic to the stage. I’ll be supporting you guys all the way,” the 3x PanAm Games gold medalist affirmed. Along with shedding light on his health condition, Whittenburg also thanked those who came to support him and others. He noted, “To everyone who came to watch and support me thank you for understanding. It won’t be easy, but have to keep moving forward.”

Whittenburg didn’t specify the injury in his post, this isn’t the first time his plans have been affected by an injury. He suffered a knee injury in the early part of 2019 and has struggled with elbow pain in the past as well. In November 2017, he underwent shoulder surgery and returned to action a few months later in 2018. Despite these injuries and challenges, Whittenburg has always dusted himself up to get back on the mat. After his emotional IG post, his GOAT team members, including Simone Biles were quick to send their support in the comments section.

Biles posted two white hearted emojis, while Jade Carey wrote, “you’re the best don don!!” Christine Lee, aka Peng Peng Lee, commented, “UR THE BEST WE MISS U ALREADY.” Meanwhile, gymnast Katelyn Ohashi made a promise to Whittenburg writing, “you are such a bright light don! thinking of you every time we step on the floor!” His teammate Yul Moldauer also lent his support and encouraged him as he commented, “Keep your head up sup brotha! We are all doing this for you man…” Whittenburg has been with the tour since it kicked off on September 16, but will unfortunately miss out on the rest of the tour. Meanwhile, there are some reports which hint that the gymnast may have suffered an Achilles injury, though nothing has been confirmed. While his presence from the rest of the tour will be sorely missed, there is indeed a lot to look forward to for the connoisseurs, as the Athleta tournament continues its golden journey. Simone Biles’ camp has enough to compensate for her teammate’s unfortunate fate The Gold Over America Tour will descend upon Salt Lake City on Monday, September 23. Scheduled to hit the iconic Maverik Center, fans expect another stunning show from Biles and her team at the 5th stop of their tour.

Just two days later, the gang will take over the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with Minneapolis being its next target. Considering how the pop-concert-inspired tournament has been vehemently lauded by fans so far, it’s only safe to assume that a similar fervor will entice fans in Utah and other US states in the coming days. Keeping up with the fans’ expectations, the GOAT team also boasts a long list of enigmatic stars who are sure to keep the attendees on their toes every time they get on stage. Emphatic gymnasts like Brody Malone, Yul Moldauer, Paul Juda, Hezly Rivera, and more have brought their A-game at every stop, and are expected to continue their stellar run further. Earlier we saw Biles and her Paris Olympics teammate Jordan Chiles along with other gymnasts take center stage on the opening night of the tour at the Frontwave Arena, Oceanside, California. The gymnasts danced to the beats of Beyonce’s YA YA wearing cowboy hats.

Chiles missed out on the action at the last location in San Jose, California, but fans should expect the UCLA star doubling down to make up for the missed opportunity! The 32-city-long tour also offers several memorabilia for the fans to commemorate its return after three years. The unique GOAT leotards made by GK Elite are one such memento that would increase the fashion quotient of the cupboard of anyone who grabs one for themselves, and fans would do good to get their hands on one of these keepsakes. So who, or what, will you be looking at to help you overcome the absence of Donnell Whittenburg from the rest of the tour? Drop by with a comment below.