Simone Biles, one of the United States’ most decorated Olympic athletes, sent strong words of support to Michaela Shiffrin when the skater shared some of the social media abuse she suffered after completing the podium at all of her singles events in the winter of 2022 Olympics.
Biles commented on Shiffrin’s Instagram post. Biles faced similar hate from fans on social media after pulling out of the all-around singles event at 2020 Tokyo Olympics To focus on her mental health.
Shiffrin, who entered the Olympics as a favorite to win multiple gold medals, scored her third “unfinished” at the Beijing Olympics in the slalom portion of the combined event after placing fifth in the downhill section. She also skated from the giant slalom and slalom events earlier in the Olympics, two of her signature events, and placed 9th in the Super G event.
In the post, Shiffrin said, “Get up because you can, because you love what you do when it’s not full of people who have so much hate toward you.”
Biles have been plagued with “flips” – a phenomenon in which gymnasts get lost in the air, which can lead to serious injuries – throughout the Tokyo Olympics. Biles withdrew from the team final after a disastrous vault performance. She posted videos of her exercising on uneven bars on social media, where she trimmed down and fell flat on her back. She then withdrew from the all-around singles event. The United States won the silver in the team event.
“Just remember how amazing you are, we all cheer you on, proud of you, love and support you! Go hit some Saturday! But most importantly, embrace the moment. Enjoy your love!!!!” Bailes added.
Shiffrin will compete in the mixed team alpine ski event at 9:22 p.m. ET on Friday.
The two players won a total of 10 Olympic medals (seven for Biles and three for Shiffrin).