For years, Simone Biles has been the undisputed face of American gymnastics — not just for her unprecedented achievements across three Olympic Games and countless international meets, but also for her aura of humility and quiet leadership. To many, she has been more than just a once-in-a-generation athlete. Former teammates such as Aly Raisman have long spoken of Biles with admiration. Jordan Chiles, one of her current teammates and closest confidantes, has often described her as “inspiring” and “down-to-earth.” Such praise has shaped Biles’ public image — one of a grounded champion who lifts up those around her. Well, until June 13, there had been no blemish in that carefully built reputation. But that day brought an unexpected revelation from a former teammate that seemed to shift the narrative.
Olympian and former University of Utah gymnast MyKayla Skinner broke her silence in a statement to One America News, claiming, “Throughout my own career, I endured being belittled, dismissed, and ostracized behind the scenes by Simone. The pressure to stay silent was immense. I kept quiet out of respect for the sport, for my teammates, and for the ideal of unity among athletes.” Later, in an appearance on The Will Cain Show, she doubled down: “Well, throughout my career, there’s been many times where I have been belittled and bullied by Simone.” “ [I] have wanted to keep quiet for the other athletes,” Skinner added during her Fox News appearance. Skinner’s words cast a rare shadow over Biles’ otherwise pristine reputation. Her remarks came in the wake of a social-media spat between Biles and former swimmer Riley Gaines, but this time, the focus turned inward, toward the dynamics within Team USA itself.
Yet just a year ago, Biles was lauded for a very different kind of behavior — the kind that demonstrated her capacity for empathy and support when it mattered most. At the 2024 U.S. Nationals, Suni Lee — the Tokyo Olympic all-around champion — was struggling. Battling her way back from a series of kidney-related health issues, she faced immense pressure during her vault routine. As the tension rose, Lee quietly slipped backstage to collect herself. That’s when Biles, already in a commanding lead in the competition, took notice.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Artistic Gymnastics – Women’s All-Around Victory Ceremony – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 01, 2024. Gold medallist Simone Biles of the United States celebrates with her medal with bronze medallist Sunisa Lee of the United States. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Without hesitation, Simone Biles left her own rotation to find Lee. She checked in gently, asking if Lee had gotten “lost in the air,” referencing her own terrifying experience with the “twisties” at the Tokyo Games. Lee said no, and Biles, ever composed, urged her to breathe deeply and trust her gymnastics. What followed was a touching display of camaraderie. While Biles’ teammates at World Champions Centre moved on to the floor exercise, she stayed with Lee. As Lee approached the bars — still visibly nervous — Biles remained nearby, offering encouragement from the sidelines. Her voice echoed in the arena: “C’mon! C’mon!” And when Lee nailed her near-flawless routine, Biles was the first to cheer, clapping proudly as her teammate landed her dismount.
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