MyKayla Skinner, the silver medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has broken her silence about the bullying and belittling she experienced from fellow gymnast Simone Biles. Skinner also expressed her support for Riley Gaines, applauding her courage in advocating for fairness in women’s sports. What led Skinner to speak out now, and how does she feel about Biles’ behavior? Find out more about this explosive revelation and the growing tension in women’s athletics!

Olympic Medalist MyKayla Skinner Accuses Simone Biles of “Bullying” and “Belittling” Behavior, Applauds Riley Gaines’ Advocacy

In a shocking statement to One America News (OAN), MyKayla Skinner, the silver medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has publicly accused her former teammate Simone Biles of bullying and belittling her during their time together on Team USA. Skinner, who replaced Biles in the vault event after Biles withdrew due to mental health issues, took aim at Biles not only for her past behavior but also for her recent public attacks on fellow female athlete Riley Gaines. Skinner’s comments have added fuel to an already tense conversation about fairness in women’s sports, particularly surrounding transgender athletes and the inclusion of biological males in female competitions.

Skinner Reflects on Biles’ Public Attack on Riley Gaines

The controversy surrounding Simone Biles intensified in early June after she criticized Riley Gaines on social media. Gaines, an outspoken advocate for the protection of women’s sports, has been vocal about her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s leagues. Biles labeled Gaines a “sore loser” in an online post, accusing her of undermining efforts to make women’s sports more inclusive. While Biles later apologized for her remarks, her original attack on Gaines sparked a fierce backlash.

In her statement to OAN, Skinner addressed Biles’ public behavior, criticizing her for attacking Gaines for expressing legitimate concerns about fairness in sports. “As an athlete who has dedicated years to a sport, I’ve always believed that true competition should elevate us—not diminish others,” Skinner stated. “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.”

The Impact of Simone Biles’ Behind-the-Scenes Behavior

Skinner didn’t stop at criticizing Biles for her recent actions toward Gaines. She went on to describe the toxic environment she had endured throughout her own career, specifically calling out Biles for bullying and dismissing her behind the scenes. “Throughout my own career, I endured being belittled, dismissed, and ostracized behind the scenes by Simone,” Skinner revealed. “The pressure to stay silent was immense.”

For years, Skinner remained silent out of respect for the sport and her teammates, not wanting to stir up internal conflicts. However, the public nature of Biles’ attack on Gaines pushed Skinner to speak out, something she felt she could no longer suppress. “I kept quiet out of respect – for the sport, for my teammates, and for the ideal of unity among athletes. But witnessing this kind of public shaming, especially from someone in a position of influence, makes that silence no longer acceptable.”

Applauding Riley Gaines for Her Courage

As she opened up about her own experiences with Biles, Skinner also expressed her admiration for Riley Gaines, commending her for speaking out on behalf of women’s sports and standing firm against the inclusion of transgender athletes in female competitions. “I commend and appreciate Riley Gaines for having the courage to speak up,” Skinner said. “Women like her are not only standing for fairness, but for the future of female athletics itself. She deserves support—not ridicule.”

Skinner’s support for Gaines comes as part of a broader movement within the sports world, where more athletes and advocates are pushing back against the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports. The ongoing debate has sparked intense conversations about fairness, equality, and the integrity of women’s athletic opportunities.

The Power of Social Media and Platforms

Skinner also took issue with the power dynamics that social media and large platforms allow. “It’s one thing to disagree,” Skinner explained. “It’s another to use your platform to bully and demean. No one should be punished for standing up for fairness and biological reality. We should be lifting each other up—not tearing one another down for speaking hard truths.”

Her comments highlight the growing divide in how athletes and media personalities are using their platforms. While some, like Biles, have used their visibility to advance certain narratives about inclusivity, others like Gaines and Skinner are using their platforms to speak out against the inclusion of transgender athletes, arguing that it compromises fairness in women’s sports.

The Backlash Against Biles

Skinner’s remarks have garnered attention from several high-profile figures, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, and actor Rob Schneider, all of whom have expressed support for Gaines and criticized Biles’ stance. Skinner’s decision to speak out against Biles has added weight to the growing backlash against the Olympic gymnast, who has long been considered one of the sport’s most influential figures.

A Larger Conversation About Fairness in Women’s Sports

The ongoing feud between Biles, Gaines, and now Skinner has sparked a larger conversation about the future of women’s sports. As more voices from within the athletic community speak out against the inclusion of transgender athletes, the debate is becoming increasingly heated. Supporters of transgender athletes argue for inclusivity and equal opportunity, while opponents like Gaines and Skinner believe that allowing biological males to compete in women’s leagues undermines the fairness of the competition.

Skinner’s decision to share her personal experiences with Biles, both on and off the court, highlights the emotional toll that athletes often endure behind the scenes. It also calls attention to the power dynamics in sports media and the importance of using platforms for good, not harm.

Conclusion: The Fight for Fairness and Equality in Women’s Sports

MyKayla Skinner’s decision to publicly call out Simone Biles for her behind-the-scenes behavior and to support Riley Gaines in her fight for fairness in women’s sports is a powerful moment in the ongoing conversation about transgender athletes. As more athletes like Skinner step forward to speak out against the perceived erosion of fairness in women’s competitions, the debate is only intensifying.

For Skinner, the struggle isn’t just about sports—it’s about standing up for what she believes is right. Her story, combined with her support for Gaines, offers a glimpse into the difficult, often underappreciated work that goes into maintaining fairness in sports for all athletes, particularly those who are already marginalized.

As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen whether the dialogue surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports will shift, but for now, athletes like Skinner and Gaines are determined to make their voices heard, no matter the cost.