“I dedicate this medal to Simone.” Those were MyKayla Skinner’s words after clinching silver in her career-finale vault at the Tokyo Olympics. She delivered two powerhouse vaults—a Cheng (15.033) and an Amanar (14.800)—for a combined 14.916, finishing just behind Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade (15.083) and ahead of Yeo Seo‑jeong (14.733). A glorious ending to a deserving career—and one made possible, in part, by Simone Biles. The GOAT had bowed out of the vault final to prioritize her mental health, opening the door for Skinner to step in. When Skinner delivered, Biles was all smiles on the sidelines, practically jumping with joy beside teammates Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum. Turn the page to today, and that picture-perfect bond? It’s crumpled…
In 2024, the Tokyo silver medalist criticized the new generation of gymnasts for being hardworking. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist responded subtly by posting a team photo captioned “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions” after winning the team gold. In response to this, Skinner posted an emotional Instagram video asking Simone Biles to stop the cyberbullying she and her family were receiving. She revealed that her publicist received hateful threats and comments targeting her family and daughter. One year later, this became the basis of their new feud.
Citing this incident, Mykayla Skinner was asked if she ever got a reply to all that had happened while she interviewed with CBN News on July 11, 2025. The former gymnast confessed, “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.” Simone Biles publicly apologized on June 10, 2025, stating she “shouldn’t have gotten personal” with Riley Gaines (she was unconvinced). But no apology to not only her teammate but a friend as well? Skinner called Biles’ silence not just hurtful, but unprofessional, especially given their long-standing personal relationship.
Further reflecting on their relationship, the 28-year-old told how Simone “sent me a baby gift when I gave birth to my baby. We’ve had many texts, and Simone and I have been really close. We haven’t been super buddy-buddy, but we’ve had a really close relationship, and we have texted from time to time.” Simone Biles surprised MyKayla Skinner in 2023 with a beautifully curated gift basket, complete with newborn clothes and a cute baby carrier. Skinner gushed, “the cutest baby carrier I’ve ever seen!”—prompting Simone to repost, “So excited for you, mama”.Skinner also recalled texting Simone frequently during the lead-up to her wedding
October 1, 2019, Stuttgart, Germany: SIMONE BILES and MYKAYLA SKINNER share a laugh during the podium training in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, Germany. (Credit Image: © Amy Sanderson/ZUMA Wire) (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
“But there have just been so many times where I’ve been bullied and belittled by her throughout my career. And I’ve just tried to push through it and stay strong,” the Olympian claimed. She has also accused Biles of bullying her, saying that “throughout my career, there have been many times where I have been belittled and bullied by Simone and have wanted to keep quiet for the other athletes.” This is rather sad, that a friendship woven on the mat now hangs by a thread, especially after the history they have had.
Simone Biles and MyKayla Skinner have had a history
Biles and Skinner were friends for more than a decade. In July 2011, both competed as juniors at the American Classic and Visa Nationals. At the American Classic in Huntsville, Skinner won the junior all‑around with a 54.650, while Biles was second with 53.650. Later that summer, at the Visa U.S. National Championships in St. Paul, Skinner placed 10th all‑around with a 109.400 over two days, while Biles was 14th with 108.100.
The 2014 World Championships in Nanning, China, represented their first major international overlap. Biles topped the all‑around podium and claimed multiple apparatus golds. Skinner, meanwhile, placed 6th in all‑around qualification but couldn’t advance to finals due to the two‑per‑country rule, underscoring how she was overshadowed by Biles despite strong performances. As the domestic cycle continued into 2015–2016, Skinner regularly trailed Biles at major U.S. meets. At the 2015 AT&T American Cup, Biles won with 62.299, while Skinner scored 57.832, capturing silver.
During the 2016 Olympic Trials, Simone Biles claimed her automatic spot, while Skinner finished 4th and was named an alternate—an honor that left her feeling emotionally raw. She later reflected, “Being an alternate is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” adding that she likely “cried every single night” during Rio. After that, she stepped away from the elites to compete collegiately, while Biles continued her ascent to Olympic stardom.
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