In a surprising turn of events at the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, took to Instagram to address her former teammate Michaela Skinner’s recent criticisms.

In a post celebrating Team USA’s gold medal win, Biles directly responded to Skinner’s earlier comments about the team’s talent and work ethic.

Her caption, “lack of talent, lazy Olympic Champions,” was a clear jab at Skinner, igniting a firestorm of reactions across the gymnastics community and beyond.

Simone Biles and Michaela Skinner have both had remarkable careers in gymnastics. Biles, with her unparalleled talent and groundbreaking performances, has become a gymnastics legend. Her journey began at a young age, and she has amassed an astonishing collection of Olympic and World Championship medals.

Despite taking a step back from several events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to focus on her mental health, she still secured a team silver and a bronze on the balance beam.

Her return to the Paris Olympics was nothing short of spectacular, adding more gold to her impressive haul and solidifying her status as the most decorated gymnast of all time.

On the other hand, Michaela Skinner has had her share of triumphs and challenges. Known for her strong routines, especially on vault, she competed alongside Biles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Skinner showcased her resilience and determination by stepping in to compete on vault in the event finals, ultimately winning a silver medal.

This moment was significant, considering she had previously announced her retirement before being called back into action due to a teammate’s injury. Skinner has always been seen as a hardworking and dedicated athlete, striving to improve and make her mark in the gymnastics world.

The controversy began with a YouTube video posted by Skinner, in which she criticized the current U.S. gymnastics team, questioning their talent and work ethic.

These bold claims sparked a wave of reactions, particularly from the team members who had worked incredibly hard to reach their level of success. They felt Skinner’s comments were unfair and untrue. Despite the criticism, the team rallied together, using it as fuel to prove their worth.

Simone Biles, known for her powerful presence both on and off the floor, decided to respond in her own way. After Team USA’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, she posted a celebratory photo with her teammates on Instagram.

The caption read, “lack of talent, lazy Olympic Champions,” turning Skinner’s harsh words on their head. Biles’ post went viral, with fans applauding her for standing up for her team.

Realizing the extent of the fallout, Skinner tried to backtrack. She posted a video on Instagram Stories, claiming her comments were misinterpreted and that she never intended to offend anyone.

She later issued a formal apology, but by then, the damage was done. The public and media reaction was mixed; some appreciated her taking responsibility, while others felt the apology lacked genuine remorse.

Biles continued to navigate the situation with her usual poise. She took to Threads to make a subtle but pointed statement: “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform,” a clear dig at Skinner’s decision to publicly criticize the team.

This post garnered widespread support from the public, who praised Biles for addressing the issue without descending into unnecessary drama.

Adding another layer to the saga, Biles shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) that she had been blocked by Skinner. “Oops, I’ve been blocked,” she wrote, adding humor to the situation.

Jordan Chiles, another team member, confirmed this by posting a screenshot on her Instagram Stories showing that Biles could no longer see Skinner’s posts. Chiles captioned it with, “When she blocks Simone,” making it clear that the tension between the former teammates had escalated.

The blocking incident quickly became a talking point on social media. Fans and followers speculated about the reasons behind Skinner’s decision to block Biles. Many saw it as an immature reaction to being called out, while others felt it was a way for Skinner to protect herself from further criticism.

In conclusion, the clash between Simone Biles and Michaela Skinner highlights the intense pressures and high stakes in the world of elite gymnastics.

While both athletes have achieved remarkable success, their differing perspectives and public disagreement underscore the complexities of team dynamics and personal ambition.

Biles’ response to Skinner’s criticism was a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that define true champions. As the gymnastics community and fans continue to react, this incident serves as a poignant example of how even the most celebrated athletes navigate challenges both on and off the competition floor.