MyKayla Skinner sparked a lot of controversy with her comments about the gymnastics team that will represent the United States at the Olympics in Paris later this month. Former gold medalist Shawn Johnson (now Johnson East) offered a very different perspective on the roster.
She believes that Team USA is in great position to dominate the 2024 Games.
Skinner retired from the sport after winning a silver medal on the vault in place of Simone Biles in Tokyo. The 27-year-old recently claimed that “the talent and depth isn’t what it used to be,” adding that “the girls don’t work as hard.” It is her opinion that the culture of U.S. Gymnastics has become soft. She genuinely believes that she would have made this year’s team if she had not stepped away.
Biles clapped back at her former teammate, which prompted an extremely weak apology from Skinner.
The irony with what the latter had to say is that year’s team is remarkably talented.
Biles, of course, is the headliner. Reigning all-around champion Suni Lee is of equal standing, considering that she literally won the gold medal just three years ago. They will be joined by Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, who also competed alongside Skinner and co. in Tokyo. Newcomer Hezly Rivera rounds out the team at 16 years young.
Johnson, who won three silver medals and one gold medal in 2008, recently joined Caroline Fenton of Yahoo Sports to discuss this year’s group. Her perspective on Team USA is drastically different from Skinner.
In terms of talent, Johnson sees no reason that the United States should not take gold.
I think we have a phenomenally strong team […]
As far as difficulty level and scores are concerned, I do think we are the frontrunners by many, many points. And so, as long as they go out there and do their thing— no, I don’t think there’s any concern.
— Shawn Johnson
Perhaps the most controversial part of Skinner’s comments was in regard to the culture. She implied that the previous regime of leadership — which was attached to a few pretty major abuse scandals — held the athletes to a better and higher standard. Johnson looks at the shift from a different point of view.
I think our team, and the atmosphere, and the whole vibe of the USA Gymnastics looks completely different than it ever has. I think there’s been a lot of really massive, systemic changes, and you’re seeing that in how old the girls are, and how they’re showing themselves out.
They’re having more fun. They’re engaging with each other.
They seem lighter. They seem happier. They seem like they’re truly enjoying the sport.
— Shawn Johnson
Team USA will begin competition at the Olympics on July 28 with Women’s Qualifications. Expectations are high. Especially after Shawn Johnson’s encouraging comments!