Simone Biles, the undisputed star of the 2024 Paris Olympics, is now at the center of an unexpected controversy. Biles, whose performances have been praised as historic, faces accusations of cyberbullying from none other than her former teammate and friend, MyKayla Skinner. The accusations stem from a growing rift between the two gymnasts after Skinner criticized the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team for what she called a lack of work ethic and talent.
The feud began when Skinner, excluded from the 2024 Olympic team, voiced her discontent in a YouTube video, suggesting that today’s athletes were not working as hard as those from previous years. She cited changes in coaching culture, driven by SafeSport regulations, as the reason for the decline, which she claimed made it difficult for coaches to push athletes effectively.
Biles, though not directly mentioned in Skinner’s criticism, appeared to respond swiftly on social media, posting a now-infamous statement on Instagram Threads: “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” The pointed remark fueled rumors that the comment was aimed at Skinner, intensifying the public drama between the two.
Skinner, feeling the heat from Biles’ millions of supporters, soon apologized for her comments but later accused Biles of enabling cyberbullying by not addressing the growing wave of online backlash. This accusation comes as a sharp contrast to the years of camaraderie between the two, who had shared the Olympic stage during both the 2016 and 2021 Games.
Biles has remained relatively quiet on the accusation, leaving the gymnastics community divided. While some back Biles’ subtle reprimand, others question whether she should have intervened in the online harassment allegedly directed at Skinner.
As of now, the controversy continues to simmer, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a triumphant return for Simone Biles at the 2024 Olympics.
With both gymnasts now at the forefront of gymnastics history, many wonder if this public spat will leave a lasting impact on their personal relationship and the broader team dynamic. The drama has raised questions about the intense pressures faced by athletes in the public eye, and how social media can both connect and divide those once united by sport.
While Simone Biles’ legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time seems untouchable, this controversy serves as a reminder of the personal and professional challenges even the most successful athletes face.
