History and Controversy Surrounding Gymnasts Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner

Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner, two former gymnasts with a shared history, found themselves in the spotlight once again after Skinner made controversial comments about Team USA’s work ethic. In a since-deleted YouTube video, Skinner expressed her belief that current gymnasts don’t work as hard as they used to, attributing it to the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s regulations on coaching.

Skinner later apologized for her remarks, stating that she was “misinterpreted” and “misunderstood,” clarifying that she wasn’t specifically criticizing the current team. The comments prompted responses from several gymnasts, including Biles, who subtly addressed her former teammate with a message on social media.

The history between Biles and Skinner dates back to their competitions in 2015, where Skinner placed behind Biles at the AT&T American Cup. They crossed paths at various events over the years, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where Skinner served as an alternate while Biles won gold medals.

Their paths diverged after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where Skinner took Biles’ place in the vault final but failed to advance in the all-around competition. Biles, who also faced challenges during the games, showed support and admiration for her teammate, emphasizing the hard work required to make it to the Olympic level.

Despite the controversy and differing perspectives, the bond between Biles and Skinner remains evident, with mutual respect and support for each other’s journeys in the world of gymnastics. Their history, filled with triumphs and challenges, continues to serve as a reminder of the dedication and resilience required in the sport.