A silver medal moment shared with Simone Biles has now turned into a silence that stings for MyKayla Skinner.
The Tokyo Olympics gave Skinner an unexpected chance to shine on vault thanks in part to Biles stepping aside to prioritize her mental health. Skinner seized the opportunity and delivered two strong vaults: a Cheng scored at 15.033 and an Amanar at 14.800, earning her a combined 14.916, just behind Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. At the time, Skinner called the moment deeply meaningful and dedicated her medal to Biles. “I dedicate this medal to Simone,” she said in an emotional tribute. The image of Biles beaming from the sidelines, celebrating with Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum, captured what felt like a sisterhood moment. But as time passed, that image has begun to fade. What was once seen as a bond forged through competition has since turned into a rift marked by misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and silence.
Skinner opens up about feeling ignored after online backlash. The divide became more visible in 2024, when Skinner made public comments about her concerns with the work ethic of some younger gymnasts. In response, Biles posted a photo with her teammates captioned: “lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.” While never directly addressing Skinner, many believed it was a clapback.
Skinner, overwhelmed by the fallout, responded with a tearful video on Instagram. She urged Biles to speak out against the online abuse her family and publicist were receiving. She said the hate included serious threats and harmful messages. But no reply came from Biles.
Now, over a year later, Skinner says that silence still hurts. During a July 11 interview with CBN News, she shared how the lack of communication cut deeper after Biles apologized to swimmer Riley Gaines over a separate disagreement: “No, not at all. And that’s kind of what hurt a little bit, too, when she came out and had apologized to Riley and had her statement. It was like, I’ve known Simone since I was 13, and the fact that she could step up and say an apology to Riley, but I got nothing kind of hurt.” Biles’ public apology to Gaines on June 10, 2025 included an admission that she “shouldn’t have gotten personal.” Yet for Skinner-who competed on the same Olympic team and once considered Biles a close peer-the lack of acknowledgment felt personal and painful.
A Rift That Shook the Gymnastics World
It’s the kind of drama you don’t expect from Olympic teammates — especially those who’ve spent over a decade side-by-side flipping, tumbling, and chasing the same dreams. MyKayla Skinner, a decorated gymnast and Olympic silver medalist, recently dropped a bombshell: she’s still waiting for an apology from Simone Biles, arguably the most iconic gymnast of our generation. And this isn’t some fleeting beef — Skinner says she’s known Biles since they were kids.
What happened? Why is MyKayla speaking out now? And what does this say about the world behind the balance beams and gold medals? Let’s peel back the layers.
The Bond That Once Was
Childhood Gymnastics Friends Turned Olympians
MyKayla Skinner and Simone Biles weren’t just rivals. They were teammates, allies, and by many accounts — friends. Starting from their early teens, they grew up competing in the same gyms, camps, and national meets.
From Training Camps to Team USA
Both gymnasts came up through the infamous USA Gymnastics pipeline — a highly competitive and intense world that bonded many athletes for life. Skinner has often talked about how Biles was like “one of the girls,” someone she always saw as part of her gymnastics journey.
What Went Wrong?
The Olympic Trials Tension
The seeds of tension may have been planted during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. While Simone Biles famously pulled out of multiple events to prioritize her mental health — a move praised by many — MyKayla Skinner stepped up and competed in the vault finals, eventually winning silver.
Feeling Overlooked and Undervalued
Skinner later revealed in interviews and on her YouTube channel that she felt dismissed, even left out. She wasn’t originally supposed to compete, and only got the chance because Biles backed out. Despite her strong performance, Skinner felt the media and her teammates didn’t give her the recognition she deserved.
The Statement That Sparked It All
“I’ve Known Her Since She Was 13”
This one sentence — “I’ve known her since she was 13” — packs a punch. It implies a long history. A deeper wound. Not just hurt from a moment, but a breakdown of years of mutual trust and respect.
Skinner Speaks Out on Her Podcast
On a recent episode of her podcast, Skinner opened up about feeling hurt, betrayed, and still waiting for closure — or even just an apology — from Biles. The comment wasn’t said with rage but more with a tone of disappointment.
Public vs Private Personas
Simone’s Global Fame
There’s no denying that Simone Biles is the face of modern gymnastics. Her accolades, activism for mental health, and endorsements have made her a global superstar. But with that level of fame comes scrutiny.
Skinner’s Perspective from the Shadows
In contrast, MyKayla Skinner has often been seen as the underdog — always on the edge of Team USA’s final lineup, always fighting for a chance to prove herself. Her story is more about grit than glory.
Is This Just Miscommunication?
Did Simone Even Know There Was a Rift?
It’s possible that Biles isn’t even aware of how deeply Skinner feels hurt. In high-stakes environments like the Olympics, communication often breaks down under pressure.
Silence Can Be Louder Than Words
For Skinner, the silence from someone she considered a lifelong teammate may feel like the loudest betrayal of all.
The Role of Mental Health
The Pressure of the Spotlight
Both athletes have faced intense public scrutiny. Biles for her bold decision to step away mid-competition. Skinner for constantly having to fight for recognition and relevance.
Empathy Goes Both Ways
While Biles has rightfully been applauded for prioritizing her mental health, perhaps Skinner’s emotional wounds deserve the same compassion.
Fans Take Sides
Team Skinner vs Team Biles
Social media has been ablaze with commentary. Some fans sympathize with MyKayla’s honesty, while others accuse her of seeking attention.
The Toxicity of Gymnastics Fandoms
Unfortunately, like most online debates, the discussion often spirals into personal attacks and tribalism. The reality is far more nuanced.
Was This a Long Time Coming?
Past Hints at Tension
Diehard gymnastics fans point out subtle cues — interviews, team photos, and public posts — that suggest this rift may have been simmering for years.
When Competition Clouds Connection
Being teammates doesn’t always mean being friends. The competitive nature of elite sports can strain even the best relationships.
What Should Happen Next?
A Private Conversation Could Heal
Skinner isn’t asking for a press release. She’s asking for a conversation. A simple, genuine apology might be all it takes to patch things up.
Moving Forward with Grace
Whether Biles chooses to respond or not, Skinner’s public statement is a powerful act of vulnerability — one that could help others speak out about their silent struggles.
Bigger Than Gymnastics
A Lesson in Friendship and Forgiveness
This isn’t just a story about two gymnasts. It’s a lesson about communication, acknowledgment, and the importance of being seen and heard — even when you’re no longer in the spotlight.
Speaking Up Is Courageous
Skinner’s voice, whether you agree with her or not, adds depth to the conversation around what it means to be teammates in a high-pressure, high-stakes world.
Conclusion: Will the Apology Ever Come?
MyKayla Skinner’s revelation isn’t just juicy gossip — it’s a heartfelt reflection from someone who feels hurt and unseen. Whether Simone Biles will ever respond or not, this story serves as a reminder that even the strongest athletes carry emotional bruises.
As fans and outsiders, we should approach stories like these not with judgment, but with empathy. Because behind every gold medal is a complicated human story — and sometimes, an apology that never came.
