Who is Mykayla Skinner- the Gymnast That Replaced Simone Biles at Tokyo Olympics 2020?

Published 01/04/2022, 12:55 PM EST

When Simone Biles withdrew from the gymnastics competitions, she left a void in the US national team. However, while the world watched perplexed and uncertain of what comes next, stepped up a champion in the making, MyKayla Skinner.

Skinner arrived on the grandest stage to replace Biles and won the silver medal for Biles’ signature vault competition. A person who was about to leave Tokyo, couldn’t believe her fate as she just won America a medal.

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How did she replace Simone Biles?

As Biles shocked everyone with the decision, MyKayla Skinner replaced Biles for the vault competition. With Biles being monitored by medical officials, they decided not to take the risk and allow Skinner to perform instead. Notably, Skinner was about to leave Tokyo with her coach, Lisa Spini, but stayed behind to take part in the competition.

Skinner was also a substitute during the 2016 Rio Olympics but did not get a chance to perform then. Thus, with an incredible opportunity to put her on the map, she competed in the games and won the silver medal.

The contest saw her scoring 15.033 and getting a total score of 14.916. A surprised Skinner opened on not the unexpected events of Tokyo.

“I never would have thought this was going to happen, even for me. I thought I was maybe going to be the only (U.S. gymnast) walking home without (a medal), so that’s really cool that I was able to place silver,” said Skinner.

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Simone Biles could not compete

Shocking as it could be, Biles withdrew from competitions, citing mental health concerns. Notably, she also experienced a case of ‘twisties’; a scary phenomenon for gymnasts.

“Whenever you get in a high stress situation, you kind of freak out. I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being. It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head,” said Biles, following her withdrawal.

The incredible pressure she faced forced her to withdraw from the competitions while setting an example for others around the world. Notably, as Biles left her place for the other gymnasts on the team, Suni Lee, Mykayla Skinner, and Jade Carey competed in the games and won medals for Team USA.

The trio of gymnasts who replaced Biles

Out of all the winners in Tokyo, Suni Lee created history, winning her first medal in the Olympic Games. She won the gold medal for the individual all-around competition, while also winning the bronze medal for the Uneven Bars competition.

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Similarly, Biles’ replacement in the vault, Skinner won the silver medal while another American, Jade Carey, won the gold medal for the floor exercise.

However, Biles returned to the Games for the Balance Beam competition and won the bronze medal. It was truly a memorable moment for the athlete as she produced an incredible performance after everything she went through.

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While her withdrawal was a landmark decision that brought to light the issue of athletes’ mental health, her comeback was a reminder of how rewarding dedication and determination can be. However, among the many historic events that took place, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will surely be remembered for MyKayla Skinner, who stepped up when needed the most and brought pride upon her nation.

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the center the respect he deserves.

Who is Mykayla Skinner- the Gymnast That Replaced Simone Biles at Tokyo Olympics 2020?

How did she replace Simone Biles?

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Simone Biles could not compete

The trio of gymnasts who replaced Biles