Amid Mykayla Skinner’s Controversial Diss, Jordan Chiles Makes an Important Reminder to the Gymnastics Community

The U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials 2024 ended on a high note, with 5 female gymnasts punching their ticket to the 33rd Olympic Games. Set to represent Team USA, these include 4 Olympians from Tokyo, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and Jade Carey, along with New Jersey newcomer Hezly Rivera. But what happened soon after that veered the merriment away?

Well, apparently, Tokyo 2021 vault silver medalist MyKayla Skinner was heard stating in a private YouTube video, “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t what it used to be.” Biles was out of context. But the statement sounded like a jibe to the rest of the gymnasts. Moreover, Skinner also voiced concerns about the lack of work ethic amongst the athletes and the absence of pressure from the coaches to perform better.

Subsequently drawing multiple reactions from both fans and known faces in the fraternity, this mounted into a substantial issue. However, amidst this fanning controversy, Jordan Chiles has shared a crucial reminder via her social media.

Taking to her Instagram account, Chiles has shared a post on her story that reads, “Reasons why I’m not worried, 1. God.” Chiles floats a general assurance with her post and emphasizes her faith in God. However, she does not draw any parallels to this specific matter.

Nonetheless, her mother, Gina Chiles, was among the ones who openly commented earlier. Apparently, Skinner also made some comments about Lee and Chiles’ performances. She said, “It’s just some of the other girls that fell twice, and still ending up in second place in the all-around is just kind of crazy to me.” 

After this, Gina added an X post that read, “Whoa. She really said that out loud and posted it. That’s something…” Eventually, Skinner stepped in with a clarification.

An apology to everyone, including Jordan Chiles

Taking to her Instagram stories, Skinner issued an apology. She posted a video and captioned it, saying that she was just clearing up what had been said in her current video. Skinner further says that she knows she did the re-cap on YouTube. And a lot of people misinterpreted or misunderstood exactly what she meant or had said.

She continued, “I mean, a lot of the stuff that I was talking about wasn’t always necessarily about the current team because I love and support all the girls that made it and I’m so proud of them.” However, she clarified that her words were more about going back to her own gym. And that the work ethic today is different than the ‘Márta (Károlyi) era.’

She even denied sticking up for Marta, but just said what she did was different. But she added the apology nonetheless. “So, anyway sorry for anything that got out of context or seemed hurtful.” Clarifying that this was not her intention, she added that she was actually pumped for the girls.

However, it seems that the issue has not died down as yet. What do you think of the same? Let us know below.