Gymnastics Ireland has apologised after a video showed a young black girl being skipped over during a medal ceremony at the National Indoor Arena as her white peers were each given an award.
A video of the girl, who was the only black competitor in the line of young gymnasts, being overlooked at the presentation in Dublin in March 2022 has been viewed by millions of people online.
Four-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles said the video “broke” her heart. She said she sent the girl a video message to offer encouragement, and added: “There is no room for racism in any sport or at all.” Her United States teammate Jordan Chiles, an Olympic silver medallist, described the incident as “beyond hurtful on so many levels”.
A statement on behalf of the board and staff of Gymnastics Ireland said: “We would like to unreservedly apologise to the gymnast and her family for the upset that has been caused by the incident at the GymStart event in March 2022. “What happened on the day should not have happened and for that we are deeply sorry. “We are also sorry that what has happened since that date has caused further upset. “Please know that at all times we have been acting in good faith and with the best of intentions in trying to resolve this very difficult and sensitive matter.