Italian gymnast apologizes for racist remark at world championships

Italian gymnast Carlotta Ferlito has apologized for a racist remark she made in reference to an American rival at the world championships in Belgium.

Ferlito and teammate Vanessa Ferrari had finished just off the podium in the balance beam competition on Sunday when she commented on bronze medalist Simone Biles, who is African American.

“I told Vane that next time we’ll have our skin black so we can win too,” she said.

Ferlito tweeted her mea culpa on Tuesday.

“I want to apologize with the Americans girls. I didn’t want to sound rude or racist. I love Simone and I’m a huge fan of USA gymnastics,” she wrote.

Ferlito added: “I’ve made a mistake, I’m not perfect, I was too nervous and I didn’t think about what I was saying. I’m just a human. I’m so so sorry.”

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