After controversial take on women's gymnastic trials, MyKayla Skinner credits teammates for winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics

MyKayla Skinner was in a pool of controversies during the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials last month after her comments on the gymnasts who qualified for the Paris Olympics other than Simone Biles. The American recently spoke about being grateful for the support of her teammates in winning the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

MyKayla Skinner spoke about the current Team USA gymnasts in her youtube video where she claimed that the new gymnasts lacked a 'work ethic'.

"Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn't what it used to be. I mean, obviously, a lot of girls don't work as hard. The girls just don't have the work ethic," she said.

This statement brought about a heavy backlash from the gymnastics community worldwide and ultimately Skinner offered an unconditional apology and mentioned that her words were taken in the wrong context.

Weeks later, the American posted a video on TikTok playing the famous "put your finger down' challenge

In the video, MyKayla Skinner talked about her journey of winning the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The American spoke about the obstacles she faced while preparing for the Tokyo Olympics. From getting injured before the biggest event of her life to testing positive for covid followed by pneumonia which led to one of the 'darkest and most difficult times of her life', she managed to overcome them and make it to the U.S. Olympic team.

She went on to credit her teammates and family for showering her with love and support during the difficult time.

" It was all possible due to the love and support that you had from your teammates, friends, your family, your husband and just the whole world was believing in you and that just built your confidence and made you go into the gym and work harder than ever," she said.

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MyKayla Skinner won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics

MyKayla Skinner (Source: Getty)

MyKayla Skinner was selected to participate in the Tokyo Olympics in the non-nominative spot after she placed fifth in the all-around in the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials.

She could not qualify for the finals in the all-around at the Tokyo Olympics after she finished 11th. However, she got the opportunity to compete in the vault final after Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympics citing mental health concerns. Skinner finished second in the vault and won her first Olympic medal.

After her medal-winning campaign in Tokyo, Skinner bid adieu to the sport.