Team USA gymnast Suni Lee recently addressed comments made by former teammate MyKayla Skinner, in which Skinner criticized the work ethic and talent of the 2020 Olympic team. Lee, who was a member of the team that won all-around silver in Tokyo, expressed frustration at Skinner’s remarks, as she felt they were unfair given the challenges she had faced in the lead-up to the Games. Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with two types of kidney disease in the year before the 2024 Games and had experienced severe symptoms such as swelling, making it difficult for her to even bend her legs or use the bathroom. Thanks to the intervention of USA Gymnastics cohead physician Marcia Faustin, Lee was able to get treatment and continue her training.
Skinner’s comments about the 2024 team not having the same level of talent and work ethic as previous groups became a source of motivation for the gymnasts, who ultimately won all-around gold in Paris. Olympic champion Simone Biles responded to Skinner’s remarks with a post on Instagram, highlighting the team’s success and dismissing the notion of a lack of talent and dedication among the athletes. Skinner later clarified her comments, stating that they were misunderstood and not specifically directed at the current team. However, she expressed dismay at the backlash and cyberbullying she had faced as a result of her statement, including threats towards her and her family. Skinner pleaded for the harassment to stop, emphasizing the toll it was taking on her loved ones.
The controversy surrounding Skinner’s comments and the subsequent backlash highlights the intense pressure and competition within the world of professional gymnastics. Athletes are often subjected to scrutiny and criticism, which can have a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. As seen in the case of Lee and Skinner, personal challenges and health issues can further complicate the already demanding training regimens and competition schedules of Olympic athletes. The support and camaraderie among team members, as demonstrated by Biles and her teammates, play a crucial role in helping athletes navigate these challenges and stay motivated in pursuit of their goals.
The story of Suni Lee and MyKayla Skinner serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in elite sports. Despite facing significant health issues, Lee persevered and continued to train, eventually achieving success on the world stage. Skinner, too, faced criticism and adversity but remained steadfast in her dedication to the sport. The backlash she experienced underscored the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of differing opinions and perspectives. Ultimately, the gymnasts’ experiences highlight the complexities of professional athletics and the ways in which athletes must navigate personal and professional challenges to reach their full potential.
As the gymnastics community continues to grapple with issues of accountability and respect, it is essential for athletes to support one another and promote a culture of inclusivity and understanding. The story of Suni Lee, MyKayla Skinner, and their teammates underscores the power of unity and solidarity in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in the face of adversity. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, these athletes shed light on the complexities of professional gymnastics and the importance of mental and physical well-being in the pursuit of excellence. Through their resilience and determination, Lee and Skinner serve as role models for aspiring athletes and advocates for change within the sport.
