U.S. Women's Gymnast Faces Backlash Over Reaction to Teammate's Success

American gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee claimed the United States' two spots in the all-around final with their performances in qualifying on Sunday.

Their teammate Jordan Chiles narrowly missed out on a spot after she was edged out by a final uneven bars routine from Lee.

Lee needed to record a 14.800 or higher to edge out Chiles for the second spot behind Biles. The reigning Olympic all-around champion succeeded, putting forth an impeccable routine to notch a 14.866 score.

Though Chiles finished third behind Biles and Lee in their subdivision, the rule limiting each country to two athletes will hold her out of the all-around final.

This was an understandably difficult moment for Chiles. And whether she deserves it or not, the 23-year-old gymnast is facing backlash for her less-than-thrilled reaction to Lee's successful uneven bars routine.

NFL reporter Josina Anderson wrote on X:

"Suni Lee deserved a better embrace from Jordan Chiles after edging Chiles for All-Around individuals. I understand it’s a tough pill to swallow after putting on dynamic performances herself. I also understand that sometimes all of us need more time to process before putting on a face and acknowledging present circumstances. Still the camera is on, and she has to maintain her usual grace and well-known charisma wherever her results land in the standings."

"Couldn’t help be see that Jordan Chiles looked pissed at Suni Lee after their placing in the uneven bars. Why is she pissed at her?? It’s not her fault she scored better! I really don’t like when gymnasts act like that. Ur all in it together!" another fan said.

Others disagree with this take, stating Chiles should be allowed to express her emotions in what's an exceedingly complicated situation.

"Highly disagree. these athletes work their entire lives for one moment. getting beat by only .067 after years and years of blood sweat and tears … it’s disappointing. to be so close … do not shame anyone for how they process decades of dedication to their craft at the moment of their defeat," another argued.

"I can’t believe you, with such a platform, are trying to draw negative attention to an athlete for having a completely valid emotion. Moments to process missing out on a dream & hundreds of cameras shoved in her face. Your criticism is mean and unhelpful," another wrote.

Lee and Biles are the first pair of Olympic all-around champions to face off against each other in an all-around final.

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