Simone Biles responded back at former U.S.A teammate over Olympic team criticism

Simone Biles hit back at her former United States teammate, MyKayla Skinner, after winning Olympic gold in the women’s gymnastics.

During their preparation for Olympics in Paris, the United States team, that called Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Hezly Rivera, received criticism from Skinner, who won silver in the vault final in Tokyo in 2021

Skinner said “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t what it used to be. I mean, obviously, a lot of girls don’t work as hard.

“The girls just don’t have the work ethic. A lot of girls don’t work as hard. It’s hard too because of SafeSport. Coaches can’t get on athletes which in some ways is really good but at the same time, to get to where you need to be in gymnastics you do have to be… a little aggressive, a little intense.”

But Biles responded at Skinner’s comments in her celebration post on Instagram after winning her first gold in Paris as she posted a photo of her team with their medals alongside with a caption: ‘Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.’

Skinner has since issued her comment, claiming that she was comparing the current Olympic team to the 2021 Olympic team she competed with that was guided by the controversial coaching regime of gymnastics coach Marta Karolyi.

she posted on Instagram after learning that biles and other athletes walked away with Gold Medals “Upon reflection, I was comparing the ‘Marta Era’ to the current era.

“I am coming to terms that I have not fully dealt with the emotional and verbal abuse I endured under Marta that perhaps led to my hurtful comments. I take full responsibility for what I said and deeply apologise.”

In a separate apology which was issued in a statement, Skinner said “I want to formally apologise to Team USA and to our gymnastic community for my comments during my recent YouTube episodes of the gymnastics Olympic trials.

“It was not my intention to offend or disrespect any of the athletes or to take away from their hard work. Your hard work and dedication has paid off and I congratulate each and every one of you.

“It is most important to me that the sport I love continue down the path of healing and ensures a positive environment for all. I wish you all the very best in Paris. I will be cheering you all on! Go Team USA!”

BY LUCKY SEANEGO