Why U.S. Gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles Bowed to Their Rival Rebeca Andrade after Floor Final

In a viral image from the 2024 Olympics, American gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bow to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade during the medal ceremony. Andrade, on the top podium, beams with joy as she celebrates her win. This respectful gesture from Biles and Chiles has sparked a lot of online discussion, with mixed opinions.

Andrade’s win was historic, and Biles and Chiles showed true sportsmanship and respect. As we look closer, we see why this gesture was more than just a spontaneous act and what it meant for all three athletes.

A Historic Win for Andrade

Andrade’s achievement was monumental. She scored 14.166, narrowly beating Simone Biles, who scored 14.133, to win the gold medal in the women’s floor exercise.

This win was her sixth Olympic medal and her second gold in floor exercise. It solidified her status as Brazil’s most decorated Olympic athlete.

Biles, despite a disappointing performance earlier in the day, managed to secure the silver medal. This added to her impressive tally of 11 Olympic medals.

Jordan Chiles, Biles’ compatriot, won the bronze with a score of 13.766, marking her first individual Olympic medal. The celebration was emotional and historic, as it was the first all-Black gymnastics podium in Olympic history.

Users React Negatively to the Gesture

The gesture of Biles and Chiles bowing to Andrade received mixed reactions from the public. Many praised it as a genuine display of true sportsmanship and respect.

Fans and fellow athletes lauded the act, seeing it as a celebration of mutual admiration and camaraderie. However, not everyone viewed it positively.

NFL player Marlon Humphrey was among those who criticized the gesture, calling it “literally disgusting.” Some internet users echoed this sentiment, with one saying it was “kind of weird” while another one commented, “This is disgusting.”

Inside the Moment – Statements from Biles and Chiles

Amid the criticism, Biles and Chiles shared their thoughts on the gesture, providing insight into their decision. Biles explained that the all-Black podium was significant for them and that bowing to Andrade felt like the right thing to do.

“First, it was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us,” Biles stated. “But then Jordan was like, ‘Should we bow to her?’ And I was like, ‘Absolutely.’ So we’re like, are we gonna do it now? And then that’s why we did it. It was just the right thing to do.”

Chiles echoed Biles’ sentiments, emphasizing the importance of giving Andrade her due respect. “She’s a legend herself,” Chiles said. “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?'”

Biles also expressed her admiration for Andrade, calling her “an amazing person and even better gymnast.” She praised Andrade for her talent and the inspiration she provides, adding that Andrade makes her want to perform better.

These statements emphasized the deep respect and camaraderie among the athletes, showing that the gesture was a heartfelt acknowledgment of Andrade’s talent and perseverance.

Public Support and Online Reactions

Even though the gesture was met with criticism, many internet users supported it. Positive comments flooded social media, with fans appreciating the display of respect and solidarity among the athletes.

Many pointed out the significance of showing respect to a competitor who had overcome challenges to achieve greatness. One person noted, “Simone Biles (silver) and Jordan Chiles (bronze) bowing down to Brazilian gold medalist Rebeca Andrade. Of all the athletes I’ve watched in Paris, gymnasts are the most supportive of each other. It’s cool to see.”

Supporters defended the gesture, pointing out Andrade’s remarkable comeback from multiple ACL tears. “Yeah, because giving someone their flowers who has come back from THREE ACL tears to continue to be a top gymnast is disgusting,” one person replied to a negative comment.

Another supportive fan wrote, “This is literally beautiful,” while another commented, “God forbid athletes show respect to a fellow athlete who has suffered a torn ACL multiple times.” A fan responded to the criticism by saying, “Get to a final and win something. Then you can talk.”

The gesture by Biles and Chiles towards Rebeca Andrade was a powerful moment of respect and sportsmanship. It highlighted the historical significance of the event and the mutual admiration among the athletes.

While it received mixed reactions, the overwhelming support from fans and athletes underscored the positive message it sent to the sports community.

This moment will be remembered not just for the historic win but for the spirit of camaraderie it showcased. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and admiration in competitions, setting a positive example for future competitions and athlete interactions.