Simone Biles Fires Back at MyKayla Skinner after Team USA’s Gold Medal Victory in Paris Olympics
Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, has sparked an internet frenzy after posting an Instagram photo celebrating Team USA’s gold medal win in the women’s artistic gymnastics team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The caption reads, “Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions,” and it’s a direct shot at former teammate MyKayla Skinner.
Skinner recently criticized the team, stating that the squad lacks talent and depth, and that athletes don’t work as hard as they used to. Biles, who is known for her advocacy work in reformed priorities for U.S. gymnastics following a long history of abuse in the sport, did not miss the opportunity to publicly respond.
Skinner’s comments also referenced SafeSport, an independent body that oversees the prevention and investigation of abuse in sports. Biles has long been a champion of reform in this area, and her response indicates that she takes Skinner’s words to heart.
Biles’ post elicited comments from current and former teammates, including Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and McKayla Maroney. Biles herself posted a follow-up message, writing “oop I’ve been blocked” – a nod to being blocked on social media, likely referencing Skinner’s silence following the controversy.
There’s no denying that Simone Biles has won this particular battle of words, proving that even the best gymnast in the world can dish out the drama just as well as any soap opera.
