The Japan Gymnastics Association (JGA) announced on Friday that the athlete left the team's training camp in Monaco and returned to Japan on Thursday pending an investigation. Reportedly, the JGA received a tip-off last Monday about a possible infringement by Miyata, who was interviewed three days later. It was confirmed that she had smoked in Tokyo between late June and early July and consumed alcohol at a residence in the National Training Centre in the capital.

In the interview, the athlete attempted to explain herself, claiming that she succumbed to these prohibited actions due to being under significant pressure. Her coach, Mutsumi Harada, echoed this sentiment, stating that the young gymnast "was experiencing high levels of stress" and asked for some understanding from the public. 

JGA President Naoshi Fujita stated at a press conference that "It is not only the gymnast's responsibility but also the association's, and we want to support Miyata to take a new step forward." The Japanese athlete was absent from the team's last media-open training session on Wednesday, with the association's head of development, Hikaru Tanaka, citing "certain reasons" for her absence.

"We are deeply sorry," declared the JGA authorities and Miyata's coach. The young athlete was one of Japan's hopes for securing a team Olympic medal, a goal pursued since 1964. The Japanese team will now compete in Paris with four athletes instead of the planned five, diminishing their chances of reaching the podium.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion within the sports community about the pressures faced by young athletes, particularly in the lead-up to major competitions. Advocates for mental health in sports argue that more comprehensive support systems are needed to help athletes cope with the intense expectations placed upon them. This situation highlights the delicate balance between maintaining discipline and ensuring the well-being of athletes, prompting calls for policy reviews and increased mental health resources within sports organisations.

Born in Kyoto, Miyata is the current national champion, a title she won last April, just before securing her third NHK Cup and her first Olympic ticket. In her debut at the 2022 World Championships in Liverpool, the gymnast won a bronze medal on the balance beam and placed eighth in the all-around competition. The artistic gymnastics competition, one of the most celebrated events of the Paris Games, will take place from 27 July to 5 August.