At the 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles made headlines with a respectful gesture towards Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. During the medal ceremony, Biles and Chiles bowed to Andrade, who had won gold in the women’s floor exercise. Andrade’s victory was historic, being her second gold and sixth Olympic medal. Biles, who earned silver, and Chiles, with bronze, were part of the first all-Black gymnastics podium in Olympic history.
This act of sportsmanship sparked mixed reactions online. While many praised the gesture as a sign of true respect and camaraderie, others criticized it. Critics, including NFL player Marlon Humphrey, found it inappropriate, while supporters highlighted the significance of showing respect to a competitor who had overcome significant challenges, including multiple ACL tears. Biles and Chiles defended their action, expressing their admiration for Andrade’s achievements and the historical nature of the podium.
