Gymnastics Ireland apologizes after Simone Biles condemns video showing Black girl being denied medal

Gymnastics Eire rendered an apology after a viral video exhibiting a Black lady being snubbed throughout a medal ceremony went viral on social media. In line with Sky Information, the incident in query occurred throughout a Gymstart occasion in Dublin final yr.

Within the video, the Black gymnast is seen with different kids lined as much as obtain medals. However the official giving the medals to the youngsters snubs the Black gymnast. The video has since been watched greater than one million instances on social media. Olympic champion Simone Biles additionally condemned the incident, saying that it “broke her coronary heart.”

Biles additionally mentioned the Black gymnast’s household acquired in contact along with her, including that she despatched the athlete a video message. “There isn’t a room for racism in any sport or in any respect,” Biles shared on social media.

In an preliminary interview with the Irish Impartial on Sunday, the lady’s mom mentioned officers had been but to apologize to them. She additionally mentioned that they had reported the incident to the Gymnastics Ethics Basis in Switzerland. The lady’s household additionally claimed race performed an element within the incident.

“We are sometimes the one black household at gymnastics occasions and this has been very hurtful for us,” the lady’s mom mentioned. “Now eight million individuals have seen the video. From Pakistan to Ethiopia they’ll see this was unsuitable however Gymnastics Eire nonetheless can’t settle for it and express regret.”

“What occurred on the day shouldn’t have occurred and for that we’re deeply sorry,” Gymnastics Eire mentioned in a press release. The group additionally mentioned it had requested an impartial professional to look into its insurance policies and procedures and a few suggestions have been tabled to make sure an incident of such nature “doesn’t ever occur once more”, Sky Information reported.

“We might additionally like to have interaction with the gymnast’s household and Sport In opposition to Racism Eire to hearken to any strategies they’ve as to how our procedures could be improved on this regard,” Gymnastics Eire acknowledged. The group additionally mentioned it “condemns any type of racism in any respect.”

Gymnastics Eire mentioned the official who offered the medals to the youngsters “expressed deep remorse for what they described as an sincere error.”