Simone Biles vs MyKayla Skinner: Why US Gymnasts Are Fighting Amid Olympics
Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner, who were teammates during the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, are currently embroiled in a heated dispute. The conflict began after Skinner criticized the dedication and work ethic of the US Olympic squad preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Skinner’s Criticism of Team USA
In June, following the Olympic qualifiers, MyKayla Skinner publicly questioned the commitment of the current Team USA members: Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. In a video posted on July 3, which was later deleted, Skinner expressed her dissatisfaction with the team’s work ethic compared to past gymnasts.
“Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and depth just isn’t like what it used to be,” Skinner remarked in the video. She further criticized the current team, stating, “I just notice that a lot of girls don’t work as hard. The girls just don’t have the work ethic.”
Skinner also blamed SafeSport, an independent organization focused on athlete safety and abuse prevention, for the perceived decline.
Apology and Clarifications
Following backlash from the gymnastics community, including a pointed response from Simone Biles, Skinner posted an apology video on Instagram Stories. She claimed her remarks were misinterpreted and clarified that her comments were more about the general evolution of gymnastics rather than a direct criticism of the current team. Skinner expressed her pride in the current athletes and acknowledged that her comparison to the ‘Marta Era’ was reflective of her personal experience, not a critique of the present gymnasts.
In a statement to People magazine, Skinner attributed her comments to unresolved issues from her past experiences with coach Márta Károlyi, and she took full responsibility for her words. She expressed deep regret and offered a sincere apology.
Biles’ Response and Public Fallout
Soon after Team USA secured the gold medal in the team all-around competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles took to social media to address the criticism indirectly. She posted photos with her teammates and captioned them with a jibe: “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions”. The post quickly went viral, garnering widespread support from her followers.
In response, Skinner revealed on Instagram that she had blocked Biles. She shared her feelings of heartbreak and frustration, noting that Biles’ post had intensified the online hostility directed at her and her family, including her infant daughter, Charlotte.
Skinner’s Public Appeal
A week later, Skinner returned to Instagram with a video appeal to Biles. In her message, Skinner requested that Biles urge her followers to cease the harassment, which had escalated to the point of receiving death threats. Skinner expressed her disappointment that Biles had not reached out personally to address the situation and pleaded for an end to the online attacks.
“I am asking you directly and publicly to please put a stop to this… Please ask your followers to stop,” Skinner said, emphasizing her distress over the situation and the impact it had on her family.
Conclusion
The feud between Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner highlights the intense pressures and high emotions within the gymnastics world. As the rivalry continues, both athletes’ public statements and social media actions underscore the personal and professional stakes involved.
