Simone Biles is telling her side of the story. The renowned gymnast has been embroiled in a feud with former colleague Mykayla Skinner since July. However, things intensified when Biles took a jab at Skinner while celebrating Team USA’s victory at the Women’s Gymnastics final. According to the most decorated American gymnast, her comment, although shady, was ultimately necessary.
Biles discussed her decision in an interview held a day after concluding her Olympics journey. The 27-year-old said her increased confidence inspired her to speak for her teammates — Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. “It’s important because you have to teach them to use their voices,” she explained to People Magazine. “And if not, you’re a voice for the voiceless, which is okay.” Biles, who is the team lead, admitted the role ignited in her the responsibility to speak up.
“I just felt like it was right in that moment to stand up for them, because they’re so young and they haven’t fully stood in their power yet. For somebody to stand up, I know it meant a lot for [my teammates].”
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Mykayla Skinner Seeks Simone Biles’ Help Against Death Threats: “Please Put a Stop to This!”Biles is referring to her celebratory post on Instagram, in which she clapped back at Skinner’s critique of the team’s “work ethic.” She mocked in the caption, “Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions ❤️🥇🇺🇸.”
Mykayla Skinner Blames Simone Biles For ‘Hateful Comments’
Although Biles saw her caption as defending her teammates, Skinner didn’t perceive it that way. On Tuesday, the Arizona native seemingly called out her former teammate for fueling a cyberbullying campaign against her. “It’s one thing to disagree with me regarding something I have said or a point I was trying to make, but it’s something else entirely when that turns into cyberbullying or even worse,” she lamented.
Skinner claimed she and her family have been on the receiving end of death threats and urged Biles to step in before things get out of hand.
“To Simone, I am asking you directly and publicly to please put a stop to this. Please ask your followers to stop. You have been an incredible champion for mental health awareness.”
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Simone Biles Wraps up 2024 Olympics With Four Medals, Now She’s Ready to Party: ‘Wildest Dreams’Simone Biles is yet to address Skinner’s plea for an intervention but it seems the interview is all the response she will give.
