In a since-deleted YouTube video that went viral, former Team USA gymnast MyKayla Skinner stirred up controversy with her comments about the current state of U.S. gymnastics. The video, which included criticism of her former teammates, particularly caught the attention of four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.

Skinner, who won a silver medal in the vault at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after Biles withdrew due to mental health issues, expressed her dissatisfaction with the talent and depth of the current gymnastics squad. She suggested that many women on the team weren't deserving of their spots and implied that they didn't work as hard as they should.

Skinner's comments didn't sit well with Biles, who responded indirectly on social media, writing, "Not everyone needs a mic and a platform." Chiles' mother, Gina, also expressed surprise at Skinner's remarks, stating, "She really said that out loud and posted it. That's something..."

Other former gymnasts, including Vanessa Atler, criticized Skinner for her comments, calling them "petty and mean." Atler highlighted the difficulty of making a comeback and stressed that the athletes who made the team deserved their spots.

Skinner attempted to clarify her statements after facing severe backlash. She explained that her comments were not specifically about the current team but rather highlighted the differences in work ethic between her earlier years in the sport and the present. She acknowledged that her choice of words could have been hurtful and expressed her support for her former teammates.

This incident has brought attention to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, as Skinner criticized the organization for potentially hindering athlete development by preventing coaches from being tough on gymnasts. SafeSport was established to address abuse in athletics, a sensitive issue that has troubled the U.S. gymnastics community over the years.

It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the camaraderie within the gymnastics community, as the current team, comprising Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Hezly Rivera, prepares for the Paris Olympic Games later this month.

As the gymnastics world gears up for the upcoming competition, these comments from Skinner have certainly added fuel to the ongoing discussions surrounding the sport's evolution and the dedication required for success.

Skinner, who may regret her choice of words, maintained that she holds no ill will towards her former teammates and regretted any hurt that may have been caused. Only time will tell if this controversy will eventually fade away or continue to cast a shadow over the gymnastics community.