Michelle Obama defends Simone Biles after this Olympic picture branded ‘disgusting’

MyKayla Skinner, who won a silver on vault in Tokyo after Biles withdrew from the competition due to mental health difficulties, stirred controversy last June when she criticised the team’s talent and commitment beyond Biles.

Skinner made the inflammatory remarks in a video posted on YouTube after this year’s US Olympic trials, where she missed out on selection for the US team. Her comments sparked a huge backlash and she later issued a formal apology.

Biles and her team of Sunisa Lee, Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera seemingly used Skinner’s comments as motivation for their Olympic campaign. After winning team gold last week, Biles posted a picture on Instagram with the caption “lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions”.

The US topped the gymnastics medal table at Paris, winning three golds, one silver and six bronze medals.