MyKayla Skinner recently issued a formal apology following her controversial criticism of the United States gymnastics team slated for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
In a move that sparked additional backlash, she disabled comments on her post, preventing any public response.
The 27-year-old gymnast, who won a silver medal on the vault in place of Simone Biles during the Tokyo Olympics, retired from the sport shortly after her success. Now, as the Olympics approach once more, her comments have brought her back into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Last week, Team USA announced its gymnastics team, which is widely expected to win gold after a disappointing silver finish in 2021. The roster includes headliners like Simone Biles, reigning All-Around champion Suni Lee, Floor Exercise gold medalist Jade Carey, and the experienced Jordan Chiles. Joining them is 16-year-old newcomer Hezly Rivera, a rising star dubbed as the future of the sport.
Despite the team’s evident talent, Skinner voiced her skepticism about their capabilities, criticizing U.S. Gymnastics and the team’s work ethic. Her remarks quickly ignited a firestorm. Simone Biles responded with a pointed remark, saying, “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” Shawn Johnson also rejected Skinner’s negativity, offering a much more optimistic perspective on the team’s prospects.
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In response to the backlash, Skinner initially issued an apology that many found insincere and deflective, claiming her words had been twisted.
This only fueled the criticism further. Recognizing the need for damage control, Skinner appeared to enlist a PR team to craft a more polished apology, which she posted on her Instagram late Saturday evening.
The professional touch of the apology was evident, and it included a paragraph addressing her comments about former U.S. Gymnastics coach Marta Karolyi, who has been linked to the Larry Nassar scandal and accused of abusive coaching practices.
Despite the polished apology, Skinner’s decision to turn off comments on her post was seen as an attempt to avoid further backlash.
Critics have labeled this move as cowardly, suggesting she is unwilling to face the consequences of her statements.
MyKayla Skinner’s initial comments and the subsequent fallout highlight the complexities of speaking out in the public arena, especially when it involves former teammates and a sport still grappling with its past.
While her attempt to make amends is apparent, the handling of the situation has left many questioning her sincerity and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
