McKayla Maroney reveals reason behind her viral comment on gymnast's dig at MyKayla Skinner

Former American artistic gymnast McKayla Maroney has shared a congratulatory message to Simone Biles and Team USA following their team event victory at the Paris Olympics. Maroney's message of "need to apologize just to redeem my first name" after the USA's victory appeared to be a jab at MyKayla Skinner, who had questioned the American gymnasts ahead of the Paris Games, claiming they lacked 'talent and depth'.

Simone Biles created history on Tuesday, July 30 after securing gold in the team all-around event. With that, she became the most decorated American Olympic gymnast in history with eight Olympic medals. With the achievement, Biles surpassed Shannon Miller, who was a seven-time Olympic medalist. The team of Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera, and Biles defeated Italy with a score of 171.296 to reclaim the team title last won in 2016.

With the USA's victory, the comments made by MyKayla Skinner ahead of the Olympics resurfaced, as she had questioned the work ethic, talent, and depth of the team in a now-deleted YouTube video that she posted during the US Olympic Trials in June. McKayla Maroney, the 2012 Olympic medalist, has also weighed in on the controversy. Her comment on Biles' Instagram victory post was seemingly a dig at Skinnner's remarks. Maroney commented:

"It doesn’t get more iconic than this.. She f’d around n found out fr. Feels like I need to apologize just to redeem my first name."

However, the retired gymnast has now clarified her intentions behind the comment and stated that she meant for Simone Biles to do her favorite laugh and scream celebration. Taking to her Instagram stories, Maroney wrote:

"Commented this mostly bc I knew it would make Simone do my favorite laugh/scream"

McKayla Maroney's Instagram Story

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Simone Biles set to compete in individual all-around event at Paris Olympics

Olympic Games Paris 2024 - Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final (Image via Getty)

Simone Biles began her Paris Olympics campaign on a triumphant note, helping the USA claim victory in the team event. The Ohio-based gymnast is now set to participate in her first individual event on the Olympic stage after eight years on Thursday. She had to take her name out multiple events at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, citing 'twisties', a mental block condition.

Biles will be up against her Brazilian rival Rebeca Andrade, who outscored her in uneven bars and vault apparatus during the team event in which Brazil secured the bronze medal. Simone Biles' compatriot and reigning all-around Olympic champion, Suni Lee, will also be there to defend her title.