Simone Biles And Jordan Chiles On Why They Bowed Down To Gold Medalist Rebeca Andrade

While we often think of the winner as the person who finishes on top, that’s not always the case. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles earned silver and bronze medals in the individual floor exercise event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The women’s display of incredible sportsmanship made them winners, not just their medals.

Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade bested the Americans in the floor exercise, earning her second Olympic gold medal for the event on August 5. During the medal ceremony, the Americans were on either side of Rebeca and bowed down to her greatness.

Simone Biles Said It Was A Historic Moment For Women’s Gymnastics

It wasn’t just about a viral video. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles wanted to celebrate having three black women on the podium, a first in women’s gymnastics in Olympic history.

“First, it was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us,” Simone said in a press conference. “But then Jordan was like, ‘Should we bow to her?’ And I was like, ‘absolutely’ — it was just the right thing to do.”

Many call Simone the greatest gymnast of all time, but she’s not above celebrating others.

“She’s so amazing. She’s queen,” Simone said of Rebeca Andrade. “She’s such an excitement to watch — all the fans in the crowd always cheering for her.”

Jordan told the press she wanted Rebeca to be honored, “In that moment, I was like, ‘You know what? First off — yes, it was an all-Black podium.’ Second off, ‘Why don’t we just give her her flowers?’ Not only has she given Simone her flowers, but a lot of us in the United States our flowers as well. So, giving it back, is what makes it so beautiful. … I felt like it was needed.”

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