Simone Biles Explains Why World Needed To See Her, Jordan Chiles Bow To Rival

It was the bow heard ‘round the world.

After Simone Biles won silver and teammate Jordan Chiles winning bronze in the floor routine Monday at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the U.S. gymnasts took a moment to honor gold medalist Rebeca Andrade, bowing at her feet on the podium in a show of respect.

While the gesture was perceived positively by most, some naysayers — particularly Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey — weren’t a fan of what transpired. However, Biles defended her show of sportsmanship, explaining why it was such a pivotal moment for people to see on a global stage.

“I think it was really important for that moment,” Biles told CNN . “Obviously, it was just me and Jordan being me and Jordan, but I know it was really special and it was very impactful for kids to see that. You win with grace, you lose with grace.”

Biles told reporters after that her and Chiles discussed bowing to Andrade as a spur-of-the-moment decision when they stood on the medal podium.

She also pointed out that Andrade, like herself, who overcame a case of the “twisties” — a phenomenon in which a gymnast loses the ability to complete high-difficulty moves in the air — deserved to be recognized for her comeback story getting back to the Olympic stage.

The 25-year-old Brazilian overcame three ACL tears to win four medals in Paris — one gold (floor), two silver (individual all-around, vault) and one bronze (team all-around).

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