Viral video shows moment young black gymnast faces racism, Simone Biles says it 'broke my heart'
simone biles, ireland racism
In Ireland, a case of blatant racism has come to light, where a Black school girl was left out of a medal ceremony at a Gymnastics event.
A video of the event, which actually dates back to March 2022, has gone viral on social media, and more than a year after the incident Gymnastics Ireland has issued a written apology to the girl.
'Badly let down'
As per the Guardian, in a statement, Ireland's sport ministry said that the young girl at the centre of the racism row was "badly let down".
In the statement, the ministry said that "It is unfortunate that this process took so long."
"The child was badly let down, and it is right and proper that Gymnastics Ireland has issued an apology. We understand that they have committed to put measures in place to ensure that a similar incident does not happen again."
)
‘Kill all in the name of...’: FBI arrests 21-year-old over alleged ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack plot
)
Space mines, lasers & robotic arms: Lt Gen Pannu decodes US disclosure of weapons in space
)
Bitter Zelensky snubs Trump for playing politics with Ukraine war | Gravitas
)
US fires up to 70 interceptors against Iran attack on Jordan, putting supplies under pressure
)
India’s imports from Russia jump 57% in five months; China remains top import source
)
‘US military task force aiding Saudi Arabia forces with intel, planning support’: Official
)
OpenAI boss Sam Altman repeats AI 'slow down' call, says world 'right to be afraid'
)
Top military commanders from US, Israel, and 7 Arab nations held secret meeting on Iran War
)
Sydney Sweeney defends provocative ad choice, the internet is still not impressed
)
India to host IPL 2027 auction; WPL 2027 auction set for late October in Kochi
)
Shahzad Bhatti Network declared terrorist organisation under UAPA: Govt order
)
'Definitely feel bad for yourself': Kuldeep Yadav opens up on India Test snubs
)
US, China dominate global economy: Where does India rank among the world's biggest economies?
)
Ex-India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh wants India to avoid 'massive changes' before ODI World Cup 2027
)
Ed Sheeran’s US tour loses all support acts after Macklemore’s removal | Controversy explained
)
Ex-England footballer Raheem Sterling pleads guilty in reckless driving and crashing his Lamborghini
)
China's property crisis deepens as investment plunges nearly 20%
)
Messi set to play in farewell match on October 6 in Argentina vs Benin friendly
)
Who was Eliana Moreno? NBC LA aerial reporter killed in Chatsworth crash
)
Putin-linked Russian oligarch, Melania links: Why Trump skipped his son’s Bahamas wedding bash?
)
800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks
)
Trump's name cannot return to Kennedy Center, US judge rules
)
Pakistan naval vessel returns to harbour with 'severe damage' after collision with Indian warship in Arabian Sea
)
Water equivalent to two Pacific Oceans could be stashed 2,900 km inside Earth
)
Ex-CIA officer caught with gold bars worth $40 million seeks plea deal | Gravitas
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (September 14-20, 2026): Lust Stories 3, Waiting Hai, Irumudi- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms
)
US Treasury yields cross 5% as Scott Bessent warns of ‘global issues’ impacting bonds
)
Pakistan: Imran Khan's sons Kasim & Sulaiman claim their father is 'tortured' in jail
)
Who is Kalyan Bainsla, accused in the Gurugram hit-and-run case involving woman biker?
)
Saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of Uranium-rich ore in Madinah region
)
Los Angeles helicopter crash: At least three dead, several injured; NTSB to investigate
)
West Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano transferred after objections to ‘Assalamualaikum’, ‘Inshallah’
)
India summons top Pakistan diplomat after Pak Navy ship collides with Indian warship at high seas
)
Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of drone attack on Mecca, first-ever red alert in Islam's holiest site sparks panic
)
'Like a thug you are using agency to go after..': Kash Patel grilled by Senate Democrats over FBI firings, journalist investigations and hiring policy
)
Abhishek Sharma rises to No. 2 in T20Is; ENG’s Robinson 3rd after record Pakistan Tests
)
Canada to become EU’s first ‘associate member’? Von der Leyen proposes move amid US tensions
"The department is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to racism in sport."
In a statement to The Irish Times, Gymnastics Ireland said it immediately engaged with the girl's parents after receiving the complaint. It also said that this was done "in addition to immediately engaging with the official in question."
"Initially we attempted to address the matter through the informal process of our discipline and complaints policy," said Gymnastics Ireland.
"However, following a series of communications with the parents they informed Gymnastics Ireland that they would not be engaging in the process and were seeking legal advice," it added.
What happened?
As perThe Guardian report, Una May, the CEO of Sports Ireland, said that the judge who in the viral video can be seen ignoring the only black gymnast in the line-up had got medals "tangled up".
You can watch the video here:
In an earlier statement, Gymnastic Ireland attempted to pacify the situation and said: "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," it said, adding that subsequently a "written apology provided by the identified individual has since been issued to the competitor and her family."
Responding to the now-viral video, Simone Biles, the four times Olympic gymnast, said it "broke my heart" and added: "There is no room for racism in any sport or at all."
Commenting on the racism, another gymnast, Olympic silver medallist Jordan Chiles, said the incident was "beyond hurtful on so many levels."
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
