It’s a picture that is sure to go down in the history books. Gymnastics Floor Exercise Gold Medalist, Rebecca Andrade of Brazil, stands atop an Olympic podium. To her right and left are two other Black women : Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles. Biles, who earned the silver medal, and Chiles who won Bronze, are both bowing. Their light-hearted gesture was also a display of respect and the ultimate show of women supporting women.
This is the first all Black podium in Olympic gymnastics history. The bow added a level of camaraderie to the already historic moment. Apparently it was all Chiles idea. According to USA Today reporter Nancy Armour, Chiles asked Biles, “Should we bow to her?” Amour reports Biles responded, “Absolutely.”
Sportsmanship and Sisterhood
It’s been a close competition between Biles and Andrade throughout the 2024 Olympic Games. After several wins these games, Andrade is now Brazil’s most decorated Olympic athlete. Despite the close competition, the two athletes have had incredible displays of sportsmanship. According to Sports Illustrated, the two regularly shared kind words, encouragement and pleasantries throughout the games.
The floor exercise competition is Biles’ last for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The silver medal she earned behind Andrade, is her 11th overall Olympic medal. She is the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history. After completing her floor routine Biles told PEOPLE, “it’s such an honor to compete with these girls on both the beam and on the floor.”
Bile wouldn’t give a definitive answer on whether or not she will make a showing at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. She mentioned her age, but also pointed out that it will be hard to pass up the “home” games.
“The next Olympics is at home,” she told PEOPLE. “So, you just never know. But I am getting really old.”
The post Women Supporting Women on Display with First All Black Podium in Olympic Gymnastics appeared first on 21Ninety .
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