- Olympics. Jamaica fans hit out at Sha'Carri Richardson ahead of Shericka Jackson clash at Paris Olympics
- Olympics. Simone Biles leads the US Trials but demands more from herself before the Paris Olympics
Despite their longstanding friendship and shared Olympic experiences, Simone Biles did not shy away from criticizing the 2021 Tokyo Olympic vault silver medalist, MyKayla Skinner, for her remarks about the Team USA gymnastics women preparing for the Paris Olympics, including Biles herself.
"Not everyone needs a mic and a platform," Biles noted.
Skinner's comments have sparked widespread criticism within the gymnastics community. Vanessa Atler, the 1997 U.S. national all-around champion and 1998 Goodwill Games gold medalist, also stepped in to defend the 2024 Team USA.
Atler openly criticized Skinner's statements and stood up for the team, which includes Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.
Atler's remarks
Atler praised the current team's dedication and talent, highlighting their potential for the upcoming Olympics. Her support aimed to counter Skinner's critiques and affirm the strength and readiness of the athletes representing Team USA in Paris.
"I don't know what other people were watching but.... 1) I have never seen so much depth! I can't think of an era where 4 or 5 athletes can drop from injuries and we STILL have an amazing and epic team!" Alter wrote on Instagram.
"2) Not as hard working as they used to be?? Are we kidding? We have 4 athletes that were on the last Olympic team. Do you know how difficult it is to make a comeback! These athletes are legends and deservingly so! And one young athlete who has done the work to earn that spot.
"3) In Marta and Belas era we had athletes that were forced to work hard. Is that what we want? All of these women are here because they want to be. To me that is a real athlete. All of these women are happy! You can see it in their eyes. And for anyone to say anything positive about the Karolyis and all of their toxicity is just as toxic as them. And there is no place or need for that in gymnastics anymore. So leave your jealousies at home.
"4) Lastly falls happen all the time at Trials, if not more. I think former athletes can all say "in my era" things were different, things were harder. You have no right to take the difficulty away from these athletes. You do not know what they have gone through personally and professionally.
"So all I can say is.... The words that you said cannot be misinterpreted. They are just petty and mean. That's all there is to it. Maybe you should take a lesson from these Olympic athletes on how to be supportive and uplifting to other women."