Olympic medalist MyKayla Skinner has publicly accused Simone Biles of bullying and belittling behavior during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Skinner's statement comes after Biles apologized for a heated online exchange with Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and outspoken critic of transgender athletes' participation in women's sports.
Skinner's Allegations Against Biles
In a statement to One America News (OAN), Skinner, who won a silver medal in vault at the Tokyo Olympics after replacing Biles due to a mental health issue, expressed her disappointment with Biles' public criticism of Gaines. Skinner stated, "As an athlete who has dedicated years to a sport, I’ve always believed that true competition should elevate us – not diminish others. That’s why it’s deeply troubling to see @Simone_Biles publicly label a fellow female athlete a ‘sore loser’."
Skinner also praised Gaines for her courage in advocating for fairness in women's sports. "I commend and appreciate @Riley_Gaines_for having the courage to speak up. Women like her are not only standing for fairness, but for the future of female athletics itself. She deserves support – not ridicule." Skinner went on to reveal that she had personally experienced bullying from Biles, a claim she had previously refrained from making public.
Biles' Apology to Gaines
The controversy began when Biles responded to a post by Gaines on X (formerly Twitter) in which Gaines misgendered a transgender high school softball player. Biles initially called Gaines "truly sick" and a "straight up sore loser," but later retracted her comments and apologized. Biles clarified that her main objection was Gaines' decision to target an underage athlete who had no control over the existing sports system.
Biles emphasized the importance of sports organizations developing rules that support inclusion while maintaining fair competition. "I believe sports organizations have a responsibility to come up with rules supporting inclusion while maintaining fair competition," Biles posted. "We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful."
Jesse Watters' Criticism of Biles
Fox News host Jesse Watters weighed in on the dispute, criticizing Biles and referring to her as "mentally weak" during a segment on "The Five." Watters' comments drew criticism for attacking Biles' mental health in the context of the controversy.
The Broader Context
This series of events highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes' participation in sports, and the complexities of balancing inclusion with fair competition. The involvement of prominent athletes like Biles and Skinner adds further weight to the discussion.