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Simone Biles was shocked by an anti-Nike tweet from the temporary CEO of US Gymnastics. Photo: AP

Simone Biles astonished after anti-Nike tweet from stand-in USA Gymnastics CEO

New CEO Bono was appointed on Friday to hold the position while USA Gymnastics searches for a permanent successor to Kerry Perry

Olympic champion Simone Biles was left upset about an anti-Nike tweet from USA Gymnastics interim president and CEO Mary Bono on Saturday.

Bono was appointed on Friday to hold the position while USA Gymnastics searches for a permanent successor to Kerry Perry, who resigned under pressure from the United States Olympic Committee in September after spending nine months on the job.

Biles responded to a tweet from Bono last month criticising Nike following the release of its advertising campaign featuring former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Bono, a former Republican congresswomen, had posted a photo of herself drawing over a Nike logo on a golf shoe.

Biles quote-tweeted Bono’s photo and added a message expressing her surprise at the official’s tweet.

Bono deleted her tweet about five hours later, saying she regretted the post and respects “everyone’s views & fundamental right to express them.”

Nike is one of Biles’ sponsors.

Biles is among the more than 200 women who have come forward over the last two years claiming they were sexually abused by former team doctor Larry Nassar under the guise of treatment. Biles was critical of Perry for not being vocal enough in support of the survivors.

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