MyKayla Skinner's Olympic journey has effectively come to an end. The 24-year-old had one of the best overall meets of her career, but she failed to qualify for an event final.
Skinner finished with a 55.398 in the all-around competition, fourth among all Americans, behind Simone Biles (57.731), Sunisa Lee (57.166) and Jade Carey (56.265). She wowed on vault, scoring a 14.933 on her Cheng and a 14.866 on her Amanar, but finished third behind Biles and Carey in her strongest event.
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
While Skinner was rightfully emotional after falling short of her ultimate goal, support for the gymnast poured in. First and foremost, from her teammate Biles:
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
Last week, 24-year-old Biles took to Twitter to share a picture of her alongside her fellow "Olympic Grandma" Skinner.
little did you know OG means Olympic Grandma's pic.twitter.com/1eu2ANttaw
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 22, 2021
To be considered old at 24 years of age ... what a concept.
In addition to the gymnastics GOAT, Skinner garnered support from former Team USA Olympians Missy Marlowe and Kathy Johnson Clarke:
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
Team USA collectively struggled in qualification (by its standards) and opted out of media availability. The U.S. (170.562) finished behind the Russian Olympic Committee team (171.629) in the standings, marking the first time since 2010 that the U.S. didn't win the qualifying round at either the Olympics or World Championships, which also happens to be the last time the Americans didn't go on to win the team title.