This week, Simone Biles is facing criticism not just from fans but also from fellow gymnast MyKayla Skinner. The tension stems from a public spat Biles had with former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines. The conflict originated when Gaines made comments regarding the participation of a purported transgender athlete in a Minnesota high school softball team, which Biles condemned as “bullying.”
Biles, an impressive 11-time Olympic medalist, did not shy away from expressing her opinions online. In her response to Gaines, she referred to her as a “sore loser” and accused her of scapegoating the transgender community rather than promoting inclusiveness in sports. Her remarks generated a wave of mixed reactions—some applauded her stance while others criticized her sharply. Although Biles has since issued an apology, the discourse remains heated, further ignited by Skinner’s comments.
Skinner Critiques Biles for Undermining Female Athletes
One America News, Skinner voiced her support for Gaines, firmly taking her side. She stated, “As an athlete who has dedicated years to a sport, I’ve always believed that true competition should elevate us, not diminish others.” She found it particularly concerning that Biles would label another female athlete as a “sore loser” for raising legitimate issues regarding fairness in women’s sports.
OAN received an official statement on behalf of @mykaylaskinner:
“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… pic.twitter.com/owcjv7JejB
— One America News (@OANN) June 13, 2025
Skinner didn’t stop at merely criticizing Biles. She commended Gaines for her courage, describing her as a champion for women in sports. “Women like her are not only standing for fairness, but for the future of female athletics itself. She deserves support, not ridicule,” Skinner emphasized.
Reflecting on her past interactions with Biles, Skinner alluded to tensions that began in 2024, when she criticized the work ethic of specific U.S. gymnasts, which didn’t sit well with Biles. She remarked, “Throughout my own career, I endured being belittled, dismissed, and ostracized behind the scenes by Simone.” Skinner described the immense pressure to remain silent, stating she did so out of respect for the sport and her teammates.
However, Skinner believes Biles has crossed a line in this instance. She said, “It’s one thing to disagree. It’s another to use your platform to bully and demean. No one should be punished for standing up for fairness and biological reality.” As of now, Biles has not publicly responded to Skinner’s criticisms, and it remains unclear whether she will choose to address the situation moving forward.
