At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles of the U.S. posed with Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade during the podium ceremony for the women’s floor exercise event.
Andrade won gold, while Biles and Chiles secured silver and bronze, respectively. This historic moment marked the first gymnastics podium featuring all Black athletes in Olympic history, which quickly gained viral attention on social media.
The photos of Biles and Chiles bowing to Andrade captured widespread admiration. Chiles explained their gesture, emphasizing Andrade’s status as an icon and a legend in the gymnastics world, deserving of recognition for her hard work and achievements.
This moment of respect and camaraderie among the athletes resonated with many, highlighting the sportsmanship and mutual respect in the competition.
Simone Biles, who has now become the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history, shared the backstory of their viral bow.
She recounted that Jordan Chiles suggested bowing to Andrade, to which Biles enthusiastically agreed, calling Andrade a “queen.” This spontaneous and heartfelt tribute underscored the significance of the all-Black podium and the shared sense of accomplishment among the athletes.
Rebeca Andrade’s victory in the floor final was monumental, making her the most decorated Brazilian Olympian of all time. Prior to this gold medal, she had already secured two silver and one bronze in previous competitions. Andrade’s achievement is a milestone not only for her but also for Brazilian gymnastics, marking a new high in her illustrious career.
The U.S. gymnastics teams had a successful run at the Paris Games, earning a total of 10 medals, including three golds. The United States maintained its lead in the overall medal count at the 2024 Summer Olympics, with 75 medals in total.
This collective success highlighted the strength and depth of the U.S. gymnastics program while celebrating individual achievements like those of Biles, Chiles, and Andrade.
