Simone Biles and Mykayla Skinner’s once-close friendship has taken a dramatic turn, with the pair now embroiled in a very public feud that has captivated fans and critics alike.
Simone Biles has fired back at critics, including former teammate MyKayla Skinner, after leading Team USA to a gold medal in women’s gymnastics at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simon Biles comment dated July 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
Following her monumental win, Biles posted a celebratory photo with her team, proudly waving the USA flag. But it was her caption that really turned heads, “lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.”
Team USA women celebrating their victory by winning gold medal in women gymnastic | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
Many saw Biles’ caption as a direct response to Skinner, who had taken to YouTube to voice her discontent with the team selection.
In her now-deleted video, Skinner had criticized the team’s talent and work ethic. She remarked, “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t like what it used to be.” Skinner even went on to add that the “girls don’t work as hard and don’t have the work ethic.”
Now, the entire saga has ignited mixed reactions from netizens. One fan even cheered Biles on, saying, “Simone has the best clap back lmaooo. Congratulations!!! The best to ever!!!![sic]”
Another bashed Skinner writing, “She was jealous that she got silver and these ladies did better.” Some even felt Skinner’s criticism was “embarrassing” given that she earned silver in Tokyo after Biles withdrew, while others dismissed the drama as “petty.”
A fan comment dated July 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
Meanwhile, a few sympathized with Skinner, citing concerns over bullying and criticizing Biles, with one person commenting, “Shame on Simone Biles for this.” As tensions mounted, Skinner went ahead and blocked Biles and other teammates, including Jordan Chiles.
Jordan Chiles sharing she has been blocked by MyKayla Skinner
Still, Biles humorously noted the snub with a post on X, writing, “Oops I’ve been blocked.” The post prompted more fans to react with one writing, “Oh wow. That is crazy.”
Skinner later issued an apology for her comments through a statement on X. She expressed regret to Team USA and the gymnastics community for her remarks during her YouTube episodes about the Olympic trials.
The retired Olympian emphasized that she never intended to offend or disrespect any athletes or undermine their hard work. In her statement, she acknowledged that she had been comparing the current gymnastics era to the “Marta Karolyi era,” referring to an American gymnastics coach.
Skinner admitted that she had not fully addressed the emotional and verbal abuse she experienced under Karolyi, which she believed may have influenced her hurtful comments. She expressed deep regret in her words, writing, “I take full responsibility for what I said and I deeply apologize.”
Mykayla Skinner of Team United States competes in the Women’s Vault Final on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games | Source: Getty Images
Skinner concluded her statement by wishing the gymnasts good luck in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games expressing that she would be “cheering you all on!” It appears that Skinner’s apology resonated with some fans, with one noting, “Proud of MyKayla for taking the classy route.”
Mykayla Skinner of Team United States poses with the silver medal following the Women’s Vault Final on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on August 01, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. | Source: Getty Images
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, both Biles and Skinner represented Team USA, but the competition took unexpected turns. Biles, facing mental health challenges and air awareness issues, chose to withdraw from the finals.
Despite this, she remained a staunch supporter, cheering on her teammates from the sidelines. Initially, Skinner, who was 24 at the time, thought her Olympic journey had come to an end when she failed to qualify for any event finals.
Mykayla Skinner of Team United States competes in the Women’s Vault Final on day nine of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games | Source: Getty Images
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However, fortune smiled upon her as she was called in to fill Biles’ spot in the vault final after USA Gymnastics announced Biles’ withdrawal. In a dramatic turn of events, Skinner soared to a commendable second place behind Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade in the women’s gymnastics vault final.
Throughout the competition, Biles was there, lending her support and cheering her on from the stands. Following the event, Biles took to Instagram to share a heartfelt shout-out to Skinner.
Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner of Team United States watch the Men’s All-Around Final on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games | Source: Getty Images
Posting a photo of herself cheering from the sidelines, Biles expressed her pride and admiration for Skinner’s performance. After winning her silver medal, Skinner decided to retire from competitive gymnastics.
Simone Biles from Team United States reacts after her exercise on the balance beam during day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the Bercy Arena on July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
As for Simon Biles, she continues to make history. With her latest triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she now holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by any US gymnast, further solidifying her status as the most decorated gymnast of all time.
