Defending Simone Biles, Mykayla Skinner Fires Shots at USA Women’s Gymnastics Paris Olympics Team: “Dont Work as Hard”

“It was so freaking stressful,” said Olympic silver medalist Mykayla Skinner, reflecting on her own experience at the gymnastics trials just three years ago in 2021. This past Friday, she watched the latest trials unfold from her home. Though excited to see former teammates Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey compete, Skinner had her concerns. From the Core Hydration Classics onward, this Olympic cycle has seen some athletes devastated by injuries, while others have benefited.

In a bold move, Skinner has come to the defense of Simone Biles, taking aim at the USA Women’s Gymnastics Paris Olympics Team. With the Olympic Games fast approaching, tensions are high. Skinner’s remarks have ignited a fresh wave of debate about the team’s dynamics and selection process. Her outspoken support for Biles highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies within the sport as athletes prepare for the global stage in Paris.

Mykayla Skinner unafraid to speak her truth

In a recent YouTube video, gymnast Mykayla Skinner spoke about her reservations about the current female gymnastics team for Paris. She said, “Bur besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t what it used to. Like a lot of girls just don’t work as hard.” Even Riley W shared a part of the video via a tweet writing, “Part 1: The gymnastics community cannot let these comments to be swept under the rug. I will be as respectful as possible to @mykaylaskinner but instead of engaging in meaningful conversation she blocks anyone who holds her accountable for her words.” In the clip, Skinner further spoke about how there is a lack of work ethic amongst the athletes. Moreover, coaches can no longer press for better performance.

They must be cautious with their words to avoid media scrutiny, but assertiveness is crucial for success in gymnastics. Skinner pointed out how gymnasts who fell twice still ended up in the second spot for selection. This is not a new concern. Many have noted that this year’s gymnastics trials were marred by injuries that sidelined valuable players. Foremost among these is Shilese Jones, whose qualification into Team USA was considered certain.

In the last two years, she won six World Championship medals that cemented her spot as one of the top three gymnasts on the planet. Another favorite to make the team was Skye Blakely who finished second to Biles in the US Championships. Even Winter Cup champion Kayla DiCello was considered a done deal. But tragedy struck when Jones withdrew due to a knee injury. Previously she had stepped down from the US Championship because of an old shoulder injury. In the case of DiCello and Blakely, they tore their Achilles tendon.

Skinner spoke about them saying, “I can’t get over what is happening to everybody. I had so much hope and it is really sad. I know how these girls feel.” Their withdrawal meant three positions on the top five in the leaderboard were free and up for grabs. This meant younger athletes with no Olympic experience could qualify for the USA team. Now it is the time to put in the elbow grease and really train hard for Paris. But in case the team is unable to make a mark in Paris, Skinner will be proven right.

Mykayla Skinner emphasizes the intense stress of Gymnastics Trials

Skinner looks back on her experiences in the trials for 2016 Rio and 2021 Tokyo saying, “There was so much stress and pressure that it was honestly such a blur. The pressure of this competition is insane. It is so weird being on the other side of it (now).” But all is not dim, the 2024 trials may have been more competitive as compared to 2021 because of how the number of spots has gone down from 6 to 5. Additionally, the selection process is tough.