Simone Biles is currently facing criticism after former Team USA gymnast Mykayla Skinner accused her of bullying during their competition in Tokyo.
In addition to her criticism of Simone, Mykayla also expressed her support for swimmer Riley Gaines, who was attacked on social media by Simone for defending women’s rights.
Last week, Simone retaliated against Riley by calling her “truly sick” and a “loser” for her comments about a male-to-female high school softball pitcher.
Simone further insulted Riley by comparing the female swimmer’s body to a man’s.
“You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports,” Simone wrote on X (Twitter). “Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”
She added, “bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male @Riley_Gaines_.”
Following the backlash on social media, Simone apologized to Riley. The Olympic gold medalist said she took issue with Riley for calling out a child on social media.
In a statement on Friday, Mykayla Skinner accused Simone of bullying her, while simultaneously expressing support for Riley.
“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’ — simply for expressing valid concerns about fairness in women’s sports,” Mykayla said.
She added: “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.”
