Mikayla Skinner was part of Team USA’s silver medal win in women’s gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympics, stepping up when Simone Biles had to withdraw due to an injury. However, by the time of last summer’s Paris Games, she found herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
On July 3, Skinner shared a video discussing the U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team, making comments about the group’s “talent and depth” that didn’t sit well with many fans and even some former teammates. Notably, Biles criticized her, saying, “Not everyone needs a microphone and a platform.”
Skinner felt the backlash deeply and later expressed that her words had been misinterpreted. Despite her attempts to clarify, the hurtful comments continued to flood in. “It was a really scary and difficult time,” she recounted. “I love those girls so much, and seeing the attacks was really destructive.”
At that moment in her life, she was also a new mother, which added an emotional layer to her experience. “I was still breastfeeding and felt really down about what I’d said.” She recalled receiving threats, not just directed at her but towards her agent as well. “Some people even told me I ‘shouldn’t be a mother.’”
She reflected, visibly shaken, “It felt like the world was against me. I really struggled to feel like the mother my daughter needed.”
Yet, through this turmoil, Skinner discovered a new sense of purpose. Recently, she became an ambassador for XX-XY Athletics, a brand focused on women’s sports, right in time to launch the “Gold Medal Campaign.” “I’ve always been passionate about protecting women’s sports,” she stated. “This experience pushed me to advocate more actively.”
Skinner’s moment to speak up came after another incident involving Biles and activist Riley Gaines, who was highlighting a transgender athlete’s dominance in women’s sports. Following a heated social media exchange where Biles criticized Gaines, Skinner took to social media to express her support for Gaines, labeling Biles’ actions as bullying.
“When I saw Simone attack Riley, it broke my heart,” Skinner said. “I thought, ‘I need to find my voice and support Riley.’” Though she thinks Biles has genuine intentions in advocating for transgender participation in women’s sports, she remains hopeful Biles might reconsider her stance. “I believe she believes what she stands for, but I hope she can see our side too,” Skinner remarked.
This development added fuel to the ongoing feud between Gaines and Biles. Skinner understood the risks that came with voicing her opinion. She mentioned receiving a threatening letter that led her to doubt her decision to speak out. “At one point, I thought, ‘Should I just stay quiet?’”
Having faced criticism in gymnastics for years, she’d previously declined to engage in discussions surrounding sensitive topics, including partnering with Gaines earlier due to fear of backlash. “In gymnastics, we were made to feel that speaking up was discouraged,” she noted. “I felt like I couldn’t express myself.”
Skinner also grappled with potential repercussions on her career. “Honestly, I don’t chase endorsements as much,” she said resolutely. “I can always find supporters who align with my beliefs.”
Now working alongside Gaines and other advocates like Olympic gold medalist Nancy Hogshead, Skinner feels a renewed strength. XX-XY Athletics’ founder, Jennifer Sey, highlighted the importance of having athletes like Skinner in the movement, noting that her reputation can inspire others to speak up. “The more visible athletes advocate for change, the less fear others will feel, and that’s how we tackle these issues,” Sey concluded.
