MyKayla Skinner Speaks Out On Social Media After Her Tokyo Olympics Run Ended
Gymnast MyKayla Skinner did not make the finals after competing in all four apparatuses during the qualifying round, and later she posted a touching message on social media.
MyKayla Skinner, the artistic gymnast, competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics qualifying event on Sunday, July 25. But, she did not make the cut to move forward to the finals. To continue in the games, she had to finish in the top eight overall and be one of the top two on the USA team. Additionally, Skinner was only competing in the individual round rather than in the team event.
I’ve loved watching your journey! You have inspired me so much. So proud of you @mykaylaskinner ! You were amazing and killed it! I’m so sorry you didn’t make it further. ❤️ https://t.co/oVe7wNSGI1
— 💫Dream 2 Hug Tay (@AshleyHLovesTay) July 27, 2021
Skinner competed on all four apparatuses. Such as the vault, uneven bars, floor exercise, and balance beam. And she received a total score of 55.398. But, that score got her 10th place in the round and fourth among American competitors. However, only two gymnasts per country can qualify for the finals in the individual competition.
On the vault, Skinner placed fourth in the world. But, it was behind Simone Biles and Jade Carey, so she was not qualified.
@mykaylaskinner be proud that you ARE one of the top gymnasts in the US – no matter how your Olympic dreams ended.
— Susie Hill (@SusieHill5) July 26, 2021
Skinner expressed her feelings on social media. In a tweet, she divulged that she was “heartbroken,” but she is feeling “humble and blessed.” She then added in another tweet, “#NeverGiveUp.”
Also, on Instagram, she wrote in her caption an inspiring message for her fans and an emotional farewell to gymnastics.
Heart broken💔 but feeling sooo humbled and blessed for the amazing performance I had tonight! You have all brought me to tears thanks for being my biggest cheerleaders! Love u all😘 xoxo myk
— MyKayla Skinner (Harmer) (@mykaylaskinner) July 25, 2021
— MyKayla Skinner (Harmer) (@mykaylaskinner) July 25, 2021
Tokyo marked Skinner’s first Olympics. Before, the athlete was an alternative athlete for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Following the 2016 games, she retired and started to focus on her NCAA career at the University of Utah.
Earlier this month, she announced on Instagram that the Tokyo Olympics was her last chance, as she is retiring now. Besides, she plans to finish her degree at the University of Utah.
Congratulations McKayla. You are an amazing athlete and human being and OLYMPIAN!
— Chad Pearson (@GhostpointAcu) July 27, 2021
The 24-year-old was the oldest on her team as she is three months older than her teammate Simone Biles. Moreover, Biles showed Skinner much support on social media. Skinner’s teammate and former Team USA Olympians Missy Marlowe and Kathy Johnson Clarke showed her support online.
so incredibly proud of this girl right here 🤍
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 25, 2021
thanks for always keeping gym light hearted and fun! love you! you’re amazing ms olympian 🤩 @mykaylaskinner pic.twitter.com/xSd3PAJCNn
Simone Biles just posted this sweet message about “Ms. Olympian” MyKayla Skinner.
— D’Arcy Maine (@darcymaine_espn) July 25, 2021
“Thanks for reminding us that grandmas can do it too.” pic.twitter.com/w1148Y7Abj
So proud of you @mykaylaskinner – you had a job to do and you did it beautifully! You showed us your best self when it counted most. Way to never give up on your goals
— Melissa Anne Marlowe OLY (@MissyAMarlowe) July 25, 2021
When you have the meet of your life at the Olympic Games 19 years after embarking on an incredible journey you have won something as precious as any medal! Wear this personal victory proudly! Congratulations, @mykaylaskinner!
— Kathy Johnson Clarke, OLY (@kathyjohnsongym) July 25, 2021
The only way her Tokyo dream can become a reality is if one of her teammates cannot compete in the finals. According to COVID protocols, Skinner has to leave Tokyo within 48 hours of her elimination. Therefore, she will not be present for the next round or cheer for her teammates in person.
Biles and Sunisa Lee got first and second place. Therefore, they advanced for the U.S. team for the all-around balance beams and uneven bars. So, the USA Gymnast team is competing in the team finals on Tuesday, July 29.
@mykaylaskinner is my inspiration never give up!!!! Mykayla you are amazing!!!!
— Justin Klein (@JustinKlein09) July 26, 2021
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