In a surprising and controversial move, gymnast Mykayla Skinner has urged the Paris Olympic Committee to confiscate Simone Biles gold medal, claiming that Biles “doesn’t deserve it.” Skinner has outlined three main reasons for her request sparking debate within the gymnastics community and beyond.

1. Lack of Professional EthicsSkinner’s first point focuses on what she perceives as a lack of professional ethics on Biles part, Skinner argues that Biles has not upheld the standards expected of an Olympic champion, suggesting that her behavior and attitude do not align with the values of sportsmanship and professionalism. This accusation, though broad, indicates a deeper dissatisfaction with how Biles conducts herself within the sport.

2. Dominance Preventing New Talent

According to Skinner, Biles immense power and dominance in gymnastics have created an environment where up-and-coming talents have little to no chance of competing at the highest levels. Skinner believes that Biles unparalleled skills overshadow the hard work and potential of younger gymnasts, effectively stifling the growth and opportunities for new talents to shine on the world stage.
3. Impact on Skinner’s Olympic dreams and Performance
The most personal of Skinner’s reasons is her belief that Biles presence on the American team has directly affected her own chances of participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Skinner claims that Biles’ selection and continued dominance have prevented her from securing a spot on the team, thus hindering her Olympic aspirations and career progression.

The Gymnastics Community Reacted

Skinner’s call to action has elicited a wide range of responses from the gymnastics community and fans. Some support her stance, agreeing that Biles’ dominance can be detrimental to the sport’s competitive balance. Others, however, view Skinner’s comments as a personal attack on Biles, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

Simone Biles has yet to publicly respond to Skinner’s claims. The Paris Olympic Committee has also not commented on the matter, leaving it unclear whether any action will be taken.

A Divisive DebateThe controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of competition in sports, the ethics of dominance, and the personal rivalries that can emerge even among teammates. Skinner’s bold move raises questions about faimess and opportunity in gymnastics, and whether the sport’s governing bodies should intervene in cases of prolonged dominance by a single athlete.

As the gymnastics world prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, this issue is likely to remain a hot topic, influencing discussions about athlete selection, ethics, and the future of the sport.