Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles pulls out of final due to apparent injury

Olympic champion Simone Biles has pulled out of the gymnastics team finals due to an apparent injury.

The record-breaking American athlete had a rocky start in the final, where the US is looking to secure a third straight Olympic title.

The 24-year-old bailed on her planned Amanar vault, opting for an easier one in mid-air, and then struggled with the landing.

The rare misstep allowed the gymnasts from Russia to open up a one-point lead after the first rotation.

Biles huddled with a trainer after landing her vault.

She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor before returning several minutes later with her right leg wrapped.

She took off her hand grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.

Vault has long been a strong suit for the US and Biles is the defending Olympic and world champion in the event.

Biles had opened up about the pressure she feels this Olympic Games following a less than perfect performance in qualifying on Sunday.

In a post on Instagram she said she had “the weight of the world on her shoulders”.