Nastia Liukin reacts to MyKayla Skinner's controversial comments on USA Gymnastics team, terms it outside 'noise'

Gymnastics icon Nastia Liukin has reacted to MyKayla Skinner's comments about the USA Gymnastics Team headed to the Paris Olympics. Skinner, a Tokyo Olympic medalist, had questioned the work ethic of the team's members barring Simone Biles.

Liukin has now said she is proud of the team and that they should not be worried by the outside "noise."

Skinner had organized a two-hour watch party on her YouTube channel, where she shared her views on the five-member USA Gymnastics Team selected for the Paris Olympics following the U.S. Olympic Trials. The 27-year-old claimed that compared to the previous Olympic teams, the current team lacked ‘depth’ and ‘talent’.

Skinner’s words triggered a massive uproar on social media, with several former and current gymnasts criticizing her. Biles also spoke up for her teammates even though Skinner's words weren't directed at her. Although Skinner later issued an apology, it seemed the damage was done.

Nastia Liukin, who is America’s one of greatest gymnasts, stated that the team shouldn't be worried about MyKayla Skinner's words. The 2008 all-around Olympic champion added that she was proud of the team, irrespective of how they perform at the Paris Olympics 2024.

“I think these girls are so obviously talented and they have worked so insanely hard to get where they are. I'm so proud to see every single person has their own story and what they’ve gone through to make this team. And so they're all so deserving in their own way and the noise will always be there like you said, it's regardless of where it's coming from, who's it coming from,” she told USA Today.

Liukin added that receiving criticism was part of being an athlete before mentioning that she was now a ‘proud cheerleader’ for the team.

“I'm like a proud cheerleader mom over here because when you go through it, you feel how hard it is,” she added.

Nastia Liukin says Simone Biles’ longevity is 'mind-boggling'

SNastia Liukin is amazed by Simone Biles' longevity

Simone Biles is one of the oldest gymnasts competing at the top level. Moreover, she is still a contender at every competition she takes part in. In a sport where an athlete peaks at around 20 years of age, Biles is dominating even at 27.

Nastia Liukin is amazed by the seven-time Olympic medalist’s longevity, and she feels Biles has only been getting better with age.

"It's mind-boggling that she can continue to be better. Just the amount of years that she's continued to be on top and continued to be better. I'm just very, very proud of all of them and especially her for really just being there on her own terms. You know, she has nothing to prove," she told People in an interview.

Nastia Liukin also outlined the difficulties of continuing for so long at the top in gymnastics, claiming it was ‘very grueling mentally and physically.'