MyKayla Skinner accuses Simone Biles of bullying amid transgender athlete debate

Olympic gymnast MyKayla Skinner has come forward with claims that Simone Biles “belittled and ostracized” her throughout their time as teammates. The statement follows a recent online clash between Biles and swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines, adding another layer to an already charged discussion on transgender inclusion in sports.

Allegations behind the scenes

In a statement shared on June 14 via One America News, Skinner, 28, publicly criticized her former Olympic teammate Simone Biles. She not only voiced support for Riley Gaines’ controversial stance on transgender athletes but also alleged that Biles made her feel isolated during their time competing together.

“Throughout my own career, I endured being belittled, dismissed, and ostracized behind the scenes by Simone,” Skinner stated. Though she provided no specific incidents or examples, she emphasized the emotional toll it took on her and suggested that the pressure to remain silent was overwhelming. “I kept quiet out of respect for my teammates and the sport,” she added, positioning herself as a long-suffering but committed team player.

Biles vs. Gaines: A viral confrontation

Skinner’s statement came days after Simone Biles criticized Riley Gaines for comments targeting a transgender softball player. Gaines had responded to a high school championship post by writing, “To be expected when your star player is a boy,” referring to Marissa Rothenberger, a trans athlete.

Biles condemned Gaines’ remarks as transphobic, calling her a “sore loser” and accusing her of bullying the trans community. In a passionate message on X, Biles wrote, “You should be uplifting the trans community… but instead you bully them. One thing’s for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!”

Following backlash, Biles posted a follow-up message on June 10, clarifying her intent and offering an apology for the personal tone of her initial response. “I’ve always believed competitive equity & inclusivity are both essential in sport,” she wrote, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and her regret for engaging in a heated exchange.

A tense history between teammates

Tension between Skinner and Biles is not new. Their relationship has shown signs of strain since their time at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In a now-deleted YouTube video, Skinner criticized the work ethic of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team preparing for Paris 2024, saying, “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t like what it used to be.”

Biles appeared to respond subtly via Threads, writing, “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” Skinner later issued an apology through a representative, expressing regret for the tone of her remarks and saying she “did not intend to diminish the hard work of any athlete.”

Skinner’s most recent statement seems to build upon this tension, suggesting that what appeared to be isolated disagreements may have been part of a broader, longer-standing conflict between the two Olympic medalists.

A broader conversation in women’s sports

The feud between Skinner and Biles now intersects with the highly politicized conversation about transgender athletes in sports. Skinner praised Gaines for “having the courage to speak up” about fairness, while Biles advocated for inclusion and equity.

The debate intensified following the Trump administration’s threat of legal action against California for allowing transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity. The recent success of 16-year-old trans athlete AB Hernandez at a state track meet has further fueled controversy, leading California’s Interscholastic Federation to consider changes to eligibility rules.

As public figures with Olympic stature, both Biles and Skinner now find themselves in the center of a cultural clash—one about fairness, inclusion, and the responsibility of athletes to use their platforms with care.

Lifting up or tearing down?

Skinner’s closing words struck a note of caution directed at those with influence: “It’s one thing to disagree. It’s another to use your platform to bully and demean.” Her statement called for unity and understanding rather than division, urging athletes to support one another—even in disagreement.

Yet, by revisiting personal grievances with Biles during such a politically sensitive moment, Skinner has invited criticism of her own motives and timing. While her message may resonate with those concerned about fairness in sports, it also reopens wounds from past Olympic drama and complicates what was already a fraught dialogue.

As the gymnastics world heads toward the Paris 2024 Games, the conversation about what it means to be a champion—in talent, in conduct, and in character—continues far beyond the competition floor.