MyKayla Skinner is speaking out and doesn't care if people are mad. Why now?

The article from Deseret News, published on June 19, 2025, titled "Mykayla Skinner, Riley Gaines Issue Statement After OAN Interview on Olympics," delves into the controversy surrounding comments made by former Olympic gymnasts Mykayla Skinner and Riley Gaines during an interview on One America News Network (OAN). The article provides a detailed account of the statements made, the subsequent backlash, and the broader implications for the sports community and societal discussions on gender and inclusivity.

Mykayla Skinner, a silver medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer, appeared on OAN to discuss their views on the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. The interview quickly became a focal point of controversy due to the strong opinions expressed by both athletes. Skinner, in particular, made headlines when she suggested that transgender women competing in women's sports could be seen as "unfair" and "disrespectful" to female athletes who have trained their entire lives to compete at the highest levels.

Riley Gaines, who has been vocal about her experiences competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, echoed Skinner's sentiments. Gaines recounted her experience at the 2022 NCAA Championships, where she tied for fifth place with Thomas but was not awarded the trophy, which was given to Thomas. This incident, according to Gaines, highlighted the need for a more robust discussion on the fairness of transgender athletes competing in women's sports.

The OAN interview sparked immediate backlash from various quarters, including sports organizations, advocacy groups, and fellow athletes. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) issued a statement condemning the remarks made by Skinner and Gaines, emphasizing the organization's commitment to inclusivity and fairness in sports. The USOPC highlighted its ongoing efforts to develop policies that ensure all athletes, regardless of gender identity, can compete in a safe and equitable environment.

In response to the criticism, Skinner and Gaines issued a joint statement, which was the focal point of the Deseret News article. In their statement, the athletes clarified their positions and attempted to address the concerns raised by their critics. They acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and expressed regret if their words had caused harm or been misinterpreted. However, they maintained that their primary concern was the integrity of women's sports and the potential impact of transgender inclusion on female athletes.

Skinner and Gaines emphasized that their intention was not to discriminate against transgender individuals but to advocate for a fair and level playing field. They called for more research and dialogue on the topic, suggesting that sports governing bodies should consider the physiological differences between transgender and cisgender athletes when formulating policies. They also proposed the creation of separate categories or divisions for transgender athletes as a potential solution to ensure fairness and inclusivity.

The article also explored the broader societal context of the controversy, noting that the debate over transgender athletes in sports is part of a larger conversation about gender identity and rights. It highlighted the diverse perspectives within the sports community, with some athletes and organizations supporting the inclusion of transgender athletes, while others, like Skinner and Gaines, express concerns about fairness and competitive equity.

The Deseret News piece included reactions from various stakeholders, including transgender athletes and advocacy groups. For instance, Schuyler Bailar, the first openly transgender NCAA Division I swimmer, criticized Skinner and Gaines for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining the efforts to create a more inclusive sports environment. Bailar argued that transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in accordance with their gender identity and that the focus should be on dismantling barriers rather than creating new ones.

The article also discussed the legal and policy dimensions of the issue, noting that several states in the U.S. have passed laws restricting transgender athletes' participation in sports. These laws have sparked legal challenges and debates about the balance between protecting women's sports and ensuring equal rights for transgender individuals. The article pointed out that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been working on revising its transgender athlete guidelines, aiming to strike a balance between inclusivity and fairness.

In conclusion, the Deseret News article provided a comprehensive overview of the controversy surrounding Mykayla Skinner and Riley Gaines' OAN interview and their subsequent statement. It highlighted the complex and multifaceted nature of the debate over transgender athletes in sports, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue, research, and policy development to address the concerns of all stakeholders. The article also emphasized the importance of approaching the issue with empathy and understanding, recognizing the challenges faced by both transgender athletes and those advocating for the integrity of women's sports.

Read the Full deseret Article at:
https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/06/19/mykayla-skinner-riley-gaines-oan-statement-olympics/