Backlash Continues Online Over Viral Video Showing Black Girl Overlooked During Medal Presentation In Ireland

September 24, 2023

Meanwhile, Olympic champion Simone Biles has condemned the 'heartbreaking' incident and said she had sent a video of support to the young girl after her parents reached out.

Gymnastics Ireland is embroiled in a racism row after a video showed a young black competitor being skipped over during a medal ceremony as her white peers were each given an award.

Meanwhile, Olympic champion Simone Biles has condemned the 'heartbreaking' incident and said she had sent a video of support to the young girl after her parents reached out.

The Team USA gymnast was among scores online condemning the actions of the official, writing on X: 'There is no room for racism in any sport or at all!!!!'

In her video to the young gymnast, Biles 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.

'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.'

The video, which was taken in March last year, shows a lineup of young gymnasts awaiting their awards, with the little girl excitedly waiting for her medal before being overlooked.

After re-emerged footage of the incident went viral this week, Gymnastics Ireland issued a public apology for the incident, after the girl's parents said the alleged snub was due to racism, Mail Online reports.

The sporting body claimed the issue had been settled in August, but the young girl's mother has denied this claiming the family had not received a genuine apology.

The sports body said it 'engaged immediately' with the competitor's parents following their complaint over the incident.

Speaking a year after the incident, the girl's mother said the family were 'very upset' at how their daughter had been treated by Gymnastics Ireland and that they believe she was ignored because she is black, the Irish Independent reports.

Many have pointed out that the official walked off with the last remaining medal at the end of the clip, with all the children in the lineup receiving one apart from the girl.

Gymnastics Ireland said that it engaged with the woman, who is now no longer a member of the sporting body after she chose not to renew her membership.

They claim that the issue had been settled following a mediation that concluded in August but this is denied by the mother.

They said she 'accepted fully that what had happened had not been acceptable but stressed that it had not been intentional'.

'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 (FoP).

'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.'

The statement went on: 'Initially we attempted to address the matter through the informal process of our discipline and complaints policy.

'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.'

Footage of the presentation in Dublin in March 2022 has since gone viral online.

Gymnastics Ireland was contacted by the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) last summer, which informed it that it had been contacted regarding the complaint.

'We remained engaged with the GEF through the autumn and winter months during which time our internal process was suspended,' said Gymnastics Ireland. 'In February, we agreed to resume internally and proceed to the next stage of our process.'

Olympic silver medallist, USA team member Jordan Chiles, also labelled the incident 'beyond hurtful on so many levels'.

She indicated that she also wanted to get in touch with the young sports star, asking the gymnastics community to help identify her.

After it resurfaced, the clip was slammed by X users as 'disgraceful' and 'hard to watch'.

https://saharareporters.com/2023/09/24/backlash-continues-online-over-viral-video-showing-black-girl-overlooked-during-medal

Gymnastics Ireland is embroiled in a racism row after a video showed a young black competitor being skipped over during a medal ceremony as her white peers were each given an award.

In an age of social media, it's essential to remember that actions or oversights in public spaces can have a far-reaching impact, and organizers should strive for fairness and inclusivity."

While racism gets condemnation globally, Nepotism and tribalism which are even worse than racism is ignored globally.
This is double standard for me.

That kain thing dey pain

Just like dem dey serve everything for party, for unknown reasons dem just dey omit u

😳🥴🤕

illicit:


That kain thing dey pain

Just like dem dey serve everything for party, for unknown reasons dem just dey omit u

😳🥴🤕

I feel your pain.

Some people said it is not new, I agree. But it has never prevented us from seeking "good education" abroad and boast of the successful token few.

The reality remains that this is a fact of life for Black children abroad. They kill their self-confidence planting inferiority complex in them. By the time they grow older, their parents wonder how they lost their children culturally abroad and even at home.

It get worse as the rich raiding Central Bank send their children in care of foster parents.

Is this not the same thing happening right here in Nigeria or something worse

LLSAINT:
While racism gets condemnation globally, Nepotism and tribalism which are even worse than racism is ignored globally.
This is double standard for me.

I don't take Nigerians who shout racism seriously, they are worse with nepotism, tribalism and all bullshit going on in Nigeria.

Who in his right mind compare racism that crippled a whole people and their Continent to tribalism because they resist your invasion?

Of course, invaders crying that they missed the opportunity to capture their hosts. Knowing full well their own tribalism is worse, even within themselves.

Always shopping for didirin that would turn the other side of the face to slap.

ExudeLoveToAll:


I don't take Nigerians who shout racism seriously, they are worse with nepotism, tribalism and all bullshit going on in Nigeria.

OLAADEGBU:


Gymnastics Ireland is embroiled in a racism row after a video showed a young black competitor being skipped over during a medal ceremony as her white peers were each given an award.

Racism is terrible however this world is not fair. While you are here, enter into a relationship with the Holy Spirit so He can put a smile on your face every day, bless u heavily and grant u deep favor

banku:
Who in his right mind compare racism that crippled a whole people and their Continent to tribalism because they resist your invasion?

Of course, invaders crying that they missed the opportunity to capture their hosts. Knowing full well their own tribalism is worse, even within themselves.

Always shopping for didirin that would turn the other side of the face to slap.

What are you saying? Who is invaders and who is defending?

Nairaland with different funny character, where I come from they refer to us as the TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION, may be it's because of immense wealth that feeds the nation that is why you brought that phrase.

Critical thinking skills is needed to make sound and intelligent assertion, always bring it to the fore when communicating.

LLSAINT:
While racism gets condemnation globally, Nepotism and tribalism which are even worse than racism is ignored globally.
This is double standard for me.

You can start the fight too.

Just imagine such barbaric act of racism, as if they're more humans than blacks.

That's why I laugh when simple minded people still believes the manipulating trick that, Jesus died for our sins.

Arab muslims hates black muslims, while white christians hates black christian to a fault.

I have to wonder whether to dignify your irrelevant comment on a serious matter affecting children.

Treasure, please take a hard look at yourself and your environment and explain how your stupendous Treasure has benefited anything.

ExudeLoveToAll:


Nairaland with different funny character, where I come from they refer to us as the TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION, may be it's because of immense wealth that feeds the nation that is why you brought that phrase.
.

banku:
I have to wonder whether to dignify your irrelevant comment on a serious matter affecting children.

Treasure, please take a hard look at yourself and your environment and explain how your stupendous Treasure has benefited anything.

If you had put critical thinking into play you would have understood that the comment wasn't irrelevant but pertinent to the the discussion under review.

I don't usually go more than once on this platform, you won. You can breathe now.

Bring her to me
Let me deal with her

Only God knows the emotional trauma that little girl must have passed through

OLAADEGBU:


Gymnastics Ireland is embroiled in a racism row after a video showed a young black competitor being skipped over during a medal ceremony as her white peers were each given an award.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP2OhGiVFsk

Medal Snub For Black Girl In Ireland SPARKS OUTRAGE In Resurfaced Video | Roland Martin


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCODPh7K9Lc

The most blatant public show of
racism since American policemen murdered a black man on the streets in 2020, that
ignited the BLM movement..😡😡😡😡