US gymnastics chief quits after Biles, Raisman criticism

The newly appointed head of USA Gymnastics resigned just four days after being named to the job following stinging criticism of her appointment by Olympic stars Simone Biles and Alexandra Raisman.

Former Republican politician Mary Bono, who had only been revealed as interim chief of the embattled governing body on Friday, said she was quitting over "personal attacks" that made her position untenable.

"It is with profound regret, coupled with a deep love for the sport of gymnastics and respect for those who aspire to be great gymnasts, that I today tendered my resignation as the Interim CEO of USA Gymnastics," Bono said in a statement on Tuesday.

"My withdrawal comes in the wake of personal attacks that left undefended, would have made my leading USAG a liability for the organization." Bono's future in her new role had looked increasingly precarious after criticism by both Biles and Raisman following her appointment.

The 56-year-old executive drew the ire of Olympic superstar Biles over a tweet posted by Bono last month in which she was critical of apparel maker Nike following the company's ad campaign featuring ex-NFL star Colin Kaepernick.

Bono posted a photo of herself blacking out a Nike logo on a golf shoe as she took part in a charity golf tournament to honor members of the US military.

In response, the Nike-sponsored Biles tweeted on Saturday: "*mouth drop* ... don't worry, it's not like we needed a smarter usa gymnastics president, or any sponsors or anything."
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"With respect to Mr Kaepernick, he nationally exercised his first amendment right to kneel. I exercised mine: to mark over on my own golf shoes, the logo of the company sponsoring him."
Bono, meanwhile, said she believed she could have made a success of the job, citing her own experience as a young gymnast of seeing at first-hand what she described as the "assaulting behavior of a coach."
"I would have brought a fire in the belly to ensure that no one as taken with gymnastics as I was at that age, should have to choose between abuse and ambition, or between properly speaking out and promoting success."
United States Olympic Committee chief Sarah Hirshland described the debacle surrounding Bono's departure as "unfortunate."
"Meanwhile, gymnasts prepare for World Championships during another organizational leadership crisis. But hey, athletes are the top priority."