Disgraced Japanese Gymnast Withdraws from Paris Games Amid Controversy

Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of Japan's women's artistic gymnastics team, has been withdrawn from the Paris Games for violating the team's code of conduct by smoking and drinking alcohol. The Japanese Gymnastics Association confirmed her conduct and apologized publicly, impacting the team's aspirations for a medal.

Shoko Miyata, the 19-year-old captain of Japan's women's artistic gymnastics team, has withdrawn from the squad for the Paris Games after violating the team's code of conduct by smoking, the Japanese Gymnastics Association announced on Friday.

Officials revealed that Miyata, who had left the training camp in Monaco and returned to Japan, was found to have violated the code by smoking and drinking alcohol. As a result, the women's team will compete with four athletes instead of five at the Games.

'We apologize from the bottom of our hearts for this,' said JGA President Tadashi Fujita, alongside other officials and Miyata's personal coach, Mutsumi Harada. Hopes were high for the team to win a medal for the first time since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Miyata was slated to lead a team of first-time Olympians after securing her spot with a third consecutive NHK trophy in May. Coach Harada stated that Miyata was under extreme pressure, leading to her reckless behavior.

'She was under immense pressure,' Harada said, wiping away tears. 'I would ask for understanding from the public.' Mental health pressures on young athletes were highlighted during the last Tokyo Olympics when Simone Biles withdrew from several events.

Artistic gymnastics remains one of the most popular events at the Summer Games, scheduled to be held from July 27 to August 5.

(With inputs from agencies.)