Former Olympic Gymnast MyKayla Skinner Charges Simone Biles' Followers With Cyberbullying Her

In an unanticipated turn of events, former Olympic gymnast MyKayla Skinner has accused social media giant Simone Biles and her cult following of allegedly using cyberbullying tactics after a fiery exchange between the two athletes.

Photo byGregory Bull

Skinner, 27, who won a bronze medal in vault at the Tokyo Olympics after Biles withdrew herself from the final, made a video on Instagram begging Biles to stop the vicious online attacks she says she's facing. The saga began when Biles appeared to respond to comments by Skinner at the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials.

Tension escalated when Biles posted a photo with a provocative caption on Instagram, sparking fury over Skinner's earlier criticisms of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics squad. Skinner has been outspoken about her criticism of the team's work ethic and talent level in previously released comments at the Olympic trials

After the uproar, Skinner faced cyberbullying and even threats against her and her family, so she spoke out against the toxic behavior and asked Biles to rein in online vitriol.

The feud has engulfed the gymnastics world and raised questions about the sport's dynamics and the effects of social media on athletes 'mental health.