25 September 2023 , 09:49
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Gymnastics Ireland have been forced to release a statement after high-profile stars of the sport condemned footage which appeared to show a young black athlete being skipped at a medal ceremony.
Video footage of the incident - which took place in Dublin in March 2022 - has recently resurfaced on social media. It showed a host of young gymnasts eagerly awaiting their medals at a GymStart event last year.
The official presenting the medals delivered most as normal but once she appeared to skip past a black girl in the line-up Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles, 26, was one of those to see the video and was left shocked.
Writing on social media, she responded: “When this video was circulating, her parents reached out. It broke my heart to see, so I sent her a little video. There is no room for racism in any sport or at all!!!!”
In the video response sent to the young victim, the US superstar said: “I wanted to let you know that I saw how you were treated at your GymStart event recently. I was completely shocked and wanted to let you know that you deserve a medal just like all of the other girls.
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“I know you’ve worked incredibly hard at the sport and I wanted to say I am rooting for you from here. Sending you my very best and know that there are so many of us here to support you.”
Despite Biles’ intervention, the row over the incident has been ongoing. The mother of the young girl believes that Gymnastics Ireland have failed to publicly apologise for the incident.
The young girl appeared excited to receive her medal“We are often the only black family at gymnastics events and this has been very hurtful for us,” she said. “Now eight million people have seen the video. From Pakistan to Ethiopia they can see this was wrong but Gymnastics Ireland still can’t accept it and say sorry.”
She also confirmed that the family would be taking the matter to the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation in Switzerland. A statement since released from Gymnastics Ireland reads: “We identified the official concerned and informed the individual in question of the complaint. The official in question accepted fully that what had happened had not been acceptable but stressed that it had not been intentional.
A young black gymnast appeared to be skipped when receiving medals during an event in Dublin last year
Simone Biles has since sent a message of support (Getty Images)"The official concerned said that upon realising the mistake they immediately rectified it and ensured that the competitor concerned was presented with her medal before she left the field of play.
“The official also expressed deep regret for what they described as an honest error and requested the opportunity to apologise in person to the competitor and her family. This request was initially declined. A written apology provided by the identified individual has since been issued to the competitor and her family.”
It has also been confirmed that a period of mediation between the parties affected has been overseen.