Simone Biles Fires Back at Michaela Skinner: The Feud Unfolds
In a dramatic turn of events, Simone Biles has recently clapped back at former teammate Michaela Skinner, stirring up a storm on social media. The controversy erupted after Biles posted a congratulatory message to the U.S. women’s gymnastics team following their big win on July 30th. The post included a caption that many found surprising: “Lack of talent, lazy Olympic Champions,” accompanied by a series of emojis.
To clarify, Biles was not criticizing her teammates, including Sunni Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and others. Instead, her caption was an apparent rebuttal to comments made by Skinner, who had previously expressed some controversial opinions in a YouTube video.
Skinner, a former elite gymnast and silver medalist in vault at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, had made headlines earlier this summer for her critique of the current U.S. gymnastics team. In a now-deleted video, Skinner suggested that the talent and work ethic of today’s gymnasts were lacking compared to previous generations. She also implied that the athletes were not as dedicated, blaming the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s stringent regulations for this perceived decline in work ethic.
These remarks did not sit well with many, including Biles, who publicly addressed the issue on July 3rd. Biles’ post, which garnered over 18,000 likes, criticized the need for some individuals to have a platform without understanding the current dynamics of the sport.
Initially, Skinner defended her comments, claiming they were misunderstood. However, she later issued a public apology on July 6th, expressing regret and acknowledging her remarks might have been offensive.
Biles’ recent Instagram post, with its pointed caption, received a flood of supportive comments from fellow gymnasts and fans. Notable figures like Lori Hernandez and Hesley Rivera expressed their pride, while other athletes and commentators joined in the discussion, some directly referencing the ongoing feud.
In a twist of irony, Skinner has yet to publicly address the latest developments. Meanwhile, on July 31st, Biles tweeted an update: “Oop, I’ve been blocked,” adding more fuel to the fire.
As the drama continues, the gymnastics community and fans are left to ponder where they stand. Are you siding with Simone or Michaela in this heated exchange?
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