Olympic Silver Medalist, 9-Year Team USA gymnast, Motivational Speaker & Mom
Throughout her career, she’s earned:
- 🥈 Olympic Silver Medal (Vault, Tokyo 2020)
- 🏆 3 World Championship Medals (Team Gold, Vault Bronze)
- 🏅 2 NCAA National Titles (Vault & Floor)
- 🏅 11 USA Gymnastics National Championship Medals
- MyKayla is also the author of Courage to Continue, a memoir chronicling her journey through setbacks, faith, and triumph. Today, she inspires audiences nationwide with her story of mental toughness, faith under pressure, and the power of never giving up.
About MyKayla Skinner
Acclaimed for her indomitable tenacity and daredevil skills, Olympic silver medalist MyKayla Brooke Skinner burst onto the American gymnastics scene when she won the junior individual all-around title at the 2011 American Classic. At 24, she became the oldest U.S. Olympic gymnast since 2004, with a resilience and competitive spirit that have earned her a reputation as a powerhouse performer and model teammate.
MyKayla traveled an unusual path to the Tokyo Olympics. After qualifying as an alternate for the 2016 Olympic Team, she departed the world stage to compete for the University of Utah, where she became a two-time NCAA champion. Unexpectedly, she then decided to leave school in order to pursue her Olympic dreams again, mounting a comeback for the ages. Not even a year-long extension of training, COVID-induced pneumonia, a bone spur in one heel, and tendonitis could hold MyKayla back—no surprise to those who know her and her motto: “Never give up.”
At the Tokyo preliminaries, MyKayla placed fourth on vault and eleventh in the all-around but was denied the opportunity to compete in the finals because of the two-per-country rule. She publicly retired from gymnastics the next day, but when Simone Biles unexpectedly withdrew from the vault competition, MyKayla got a second chance to shine — and won the silver medal.
Together with her husband, Jonas Harmer, she documented her journey to Tokyo on YouTube and Instagram. She is also featured in the Peacock documentary Golden: The Journey of USA’s Elite Gymnasts.
After retirement, MyKayla and Jonas moved to Utah, where they completed their undergraduate degrees and started a family. She gave birth to Charlotte Jane Harmer in September 2023 and has loved being a mom.
Today, MyKayla travels the country speaking at events, coaching at camps, and running her own gymnastics meets — the MyKayla Skinner Never Give Up Invitational. Her goal is to motivate gymnasts and women everywhere to follow their dreams and never give up.
Places MyKayla Skinner Has Spoken or Been Featured
- University of Utah – Guest speaker and alumna appearances
- Gymnastics Camps & Clinics Nationwide – Including her own Never Give Up Invitational
- Faith-Based Women’s Conferences – Sharing her testimony of perseverance and faith
- Corporate & Leadership Events – Speaking on resilience, mindset, and peak performance
- Media Features – NBC, The New York Times, People, Glenn Beck, Peacock’s Golden documentary
MyKayla Skinner Speaking Topics
This motivational session will inspire athletes, dreamers, and professionals alike to embrace adversity as a stepping stone to success. With personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a raw look at what it truly takes to rise after failure, MyKayla’s message will leave attendees ready to take on their own challenges with renewed belief in themselves.
Attendee Results:
- Gain a deeper understanding of how resilience and mindset shape success.
- Learn how to turn setbacks into fuel for future achievements.
- Discover the importance of persistence, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
- Be inspired by MyKayla’s firsthand experiences in elite gymnastics, overcoming disappointment, and seizing unexpected opportunities.
- Walk away with practical motivation to chase your dreams and never give up.
Grace Under Fire: Overcoming Cyberbullying in the Spotlight:
In this powerful and deeply personal keynote, Olympic silver medalist MyKayla Skinner opens up about the harsh realities of cyberbullying — from online criticism during her elite gymnastics career to the backlash she faced after speaking her truth in the media. As a high-profile athlete and public figure, MyKayla has endured waves of digital hate, judgment, and misinformation — all while training, competing, and representing her country on the world stage.
With honesty and heart, MyKayla shares:
- How cyberbullying impacted her mental health, confidence, and Olympic journey
- The tools she used to build resilience and protect her mindset
- Why speaking out — even when it’s unpopular — is worth the risk
- How young people, especially girls, can reclaim their voice and worth in a digital world
This keynote is ideal for:
- Youth and school assemblies
- Women’s leadership events
- Mental health and wellness conferences
- Faith-based gatherings
- Sports and athletic organizations
- Business / Trade Associations
Attendee Results: Audiences will leave inspired by MyKayla’s courage, grounded in practical strategies for navigating online negativity, and empowered to rise above the noise with grace, grit, and authenticity.
MyKayla Skinner Videos and Media
Testimonials & Praise
“MyKayla Skinner is the definition of grit. Her story moved our audience to tears and left them standing in ovation.”
— Event Organizer, Women’s Leadership Summit
“She speaks with the same power and precision she brings to the vault. A true inspiration.”
— Corporate Event Host, Salt Lake City
“MyKayla’s message of never giving up resonated with every athlete in the room. She’s a role model in every sense.”
— Gymnastics Camp Director
“MyKayla Skinner is the definition of perseverance. After being told her Olympic dreams were over, she stepped in and delivered a silver-medal performance.”
— NBC Olympics
“She’s a fighter. Skinner’s journey from alternate to Olympic medalist is one of the most inspiring stories of the Tokyo Games.”
— People Magazine
“MyKayla Skinner finally got to see her Olympic dream play out — and she made the most of it.”
— Bustle
For Booking Information or Media Requests, Contact Judy L Wilkinson, [email protected] | (706)518-2116.