Simone Biles, the most decorated US gymnast in history, has ignited a storm on social media with a bold Instagram post that has everyone talking. In a post celebrating Team USA’s gold medal win, Biles took a direct shot at her former teammate Michaela Skinner, who had previously criticized the team’s talent and work ethic. The caption read: “Lack of talent, lazy Olympic Champions.”

Simone Biles and Michaela Skinner have both had impressive careers in gymnastics. Biles, a gymnastics legend, has amassed an astonishing collection of Olympic and World Championship medals. Her journey began when she was a little girl with big dreams, and she has since become the most decorated US gymnast of all time. Despite stepping back from several events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to focus on her mental health, Biles secured a team silver and a bronze on the balance beam. Her return to the Paris Olympics this year was spectacular, adding more gold to her already impressive haul.

Skinner, known for her strong routines, especially on vault, competed alongside Biles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning a silver medal in the event finals. She has often been seen as a hardworking and dedicated athlete. However, her recent criticism of the current US gymnastics team sparked controversy. In a YouTube video, Skinner made bold claims about the talent and work ethic of her former teammates, which did not sit well with many, including Biles.

After Team USA’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, Biles responded with a celebratory post featuring her teammates Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and Hesley Rivera. The caption, “Lack of talent, lazy Olympic Champions,” was a clear clapback at Skinner’s criticism. The post quickly went viral, with fans applauding Biles for standing up for her team.

The backlash against Skinner was swift. She attempted to backtrack, posting a video on Instagram Stories claiming her comments were misinterpreted and issuing a formal apology on X (formerly known as Twitter). Despite her efforts, many felt the apology was too little, too late.

Biles continued to navigate the situation with poise, posting on Threads, “Not everyone needs a mic and a platform,” a subtle dig at Skinner’s public criticism. The situation escalated when it was revealed that Skinner had blocked Biles on social media. Jordan Chiles, another team member, confirmed this by posting a screenshot showing that Biles could no longer see Skinner’s posts, adding a touch of humor to the situation.

This drama between Biles and Skinner highlights the tensions that can arise even among elite athletes. It also underscores the resilience and unity of the US gymnastics team, who used the criticism as fuel to prove their worth.