Simone Biles celebrated US gymnastics' Paris 2024 gold with a victory post and a jab at critics, countering former teammate MyKayla Skinner's claims they lacked talent and work ethic.

After clinching gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, US gymnastics icon Simone Biles took to Instagram to celebrate and subtly throw shade at detractors, including ex-teammate MyKayla Skinner. Skinner had previously criticized the team for their 'lack of talent and work ethic' in a now-deleted YouTube video. In a bold caption accompanying her celebratory photos, Biles cheekily remarked, 'Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions,' earning cheers from fellow gymnasts like Suni Lee and Jordan Chiles. Skinner has since apologized amid backlash but not before Biles and other teammates had their say.

Biles' Instagram post, with its mix of celebration and pointed commentary, set social media abuzz. Her words, 'Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions,' seemed directed not just at the usual critics but pointedly at MyKayla Skinner, who had earlier made headlines with her criticism of the team in a YouTube video that was quickly taken down. The drama was like a reality TV show, only with a much more impressive cast of athletes.

Skinner's comments didn't go unnoticed. In the since-deleted YouTube video, she criticized the team's perceived lack of talent and work ethic, sparking a whirlwind of online reactions. The blowback was swift and severe, leading Skinner to apologize on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'My comments were taken out of context,' she insisted, adding, 'I didn't mean to undermine the hard work and dedication of my former teammates. In hindsight, maybe I should have stuck to just sending motivational emojis.'

Biles wasn't the only one taking Skinner to task. Suni Lee, another star gymnast and teammate, was quick to respond. She added her voice to the chorus of support under Biles' Instagram post, as if to underscore the unity and strength of the team. 'There's nothing lazy about being an Olympic champion,' Lee commented, a sentiment echoed by others in the gymnastics community.

This wasn't the first time Biles has faced criticism with a calm yet cutting retort. Known for holding the most Olympic medals of any US gymnast and for being the most decorated gymnast of all time, Biles has often found herself in the position of having to defend her record. With the latest gold from Paris 2024, her reputation as a gymnastics powerhouse only solidifies further. And as Biles would likely tell her critics with a wink, the medal count speaks for itself.

Other notable gymnasts were quick to offer their support on social media. Jordan Chiles and McKayla Maroney responded supportively to Biles' post, offering encouraging words. Even the legendary Nastia Liukin chimed in, adding more weight to the collective support for the team and its achievements. Guess it's safe to say that gymnasts stick their landings—and their friendships!

However, the social media sparring didn't end there. Not content with her Instagram post, Biles took to Threads to further address the issue. 'Not everyone needs a mic and a platform,' she declared, a statement dripping with enough irony to make it clear whom she was referring to.

In the immediate aftermath, Skinner chose a different approach. Rather than continuing the digital squabble, she opted to sever social media ties, blocking Biles on Instagram. This digital 'unfriending' might be as close as the gymnastics world gets to an actual mic drop.

The unexpected source of drama seemed to fuel the US gymnastics team rather than deter them. With key members like Simone Biles, Hezly Rivera, Jade Carey, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles bringing their A-game to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the team clinched the gold in spectacular fashion. Despite some critics’ claims about their talent and work ethic, their stunning performance had the final word. Seems the real key to success is just being good, after all.

The whole episode speaks volumes about the modern dynamics of sports—where achievements are as much a matter of public perception as they are of medals. In an age where every action gets scrutinized and every word analyzed, the importance of managing one's online image has never been clearer. With the high stakes on and off the field, it seems athletes must now train not just in their sport, but in the delicate art of social media jiu-jitsu.

As the dust settles on this episode, one can't help but wonder what the future holds for these athletes. With Biles continuing to add to her already illustrious career, US gymnastics looks set to remain strong for the foreseeable future. Whether or not Skinner finds her peace with her former teammates, one thing is clear: the commitment and talent of this team can't be questioned. And if there are more drama-filled gymnastics sagas like this, at least we won't need reality TV for our entertainment.