Simone Biles is unquestionably recognized as the greatest gymnast ever. The way she constantly breaks the sport is truly unheard of.
She’s the only gymnast in the history of the sport to have at least six gold medals. Biles’11 medals are the second-most in women’s gymnastics history. That’s a resume any gymnast would dream of.
Yet, after winning the silver medal in the floor routine at the Olympics, it was Biles and her teammate, Jordan Chiles, who were both bowing down to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade in one of the sweetest moments you’ll see at the games this year.
READ MORE: 6 photos of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing down to Rebeca Andrade
Both Biles and Chiles explained why they chose to do that in the moment. They gave two sweet and incredibly meaningful reasons for what they did.
First, it was the first all-Black podium in Olympic gymnastics history, which was a special moment that needed to be recognized. Good on them for doing it.
But, second, Biles and Chiles just wanted to give Andrade her flowers, just as she’s done with her U.S. counterparts in the past.
The story behind Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles’ viral bow to Rebeca Andrade after she won gold on floor at #Paris2024#artisticgymnastics #olympics pic.twitter.com/go3E7rQ1aq
— Gymnastics Now (@Gymnastics_Now) August 5, 2024
“She’s so amazing. She’s queen. First, it was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us,” Biles said. “She’s such an excitement to watch. And then, all the fans in the crowd always cheering for her, so it just… It was just the right thing to do.”
Chiles followed up with more love for Andrade.
“She’s an icon, a legend herself. So, I feel like being recognized is what everybody should do when it comes to somebody who’s put in the work, put in the dedication,” Chiles said. “At 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. Giving it back is what makes it so beautiful.”
That’s such a sweet gesture from the two of them at such a seminal moment in each their careers. We’ll never forget it and I’m sure they won’t either.
