The recent Artistic Gymnastics World Championship left a memorable moment that has gone viral on social media. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, teammates and close friends, found a special way to honor Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade after her victory in the floor exercise. Both American gymnasts knelt before Andrade, a gesture that quickly captured worldwide attention.
This gesture not only marked the first Olympic gymnastics podium with three Black women, but it was also a symbol of respect towards Andrade, who represents the growing diversity and inclusivity in sports. "It was the right thing to do," Biles commented about the moment, a gesture so significant that even the Louvre Museum suggested it could deserve a place next to the Mona Lisa.
What was Michelle Obama's emotional comment?
The display of respect and sisterhood among the gymnasts caught the attention of many celebrities, including former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. "I'm still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship!" Obama posted on Twitter. "You can feel the love these women radiate. Congratulations Rebeca, Jordan, and Simone!"
The Italian gymnasts also shined, winning their first team medal in almost a century. Japan surpassed China on the horizontal bar to claim the gold, while the US men's team, led by Stephen Nedoroscik, returned to the Olympic podium for the first time in 16 years. Carlos Yulo of the Philippines made history by tripling his country's count of Olympic summer gold medals in just 24 hours.
Biles, who has used her prominence to highlight other women in sports, showed her support for her teammates until the last day of the competition. At 27 years old, she was heard cheering on the balance beam finalists, regardless of their nationality, age, or score. Afterwards, she spoke highly of the Italians Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito, who won gold and bronze on the balance beam after half of the competitors, including Biles, fell.
"I'm super excited and proud of them because they are building foundations for other Italian girls," said Biles.
In Paris, she and her teammates dismantled the stereotype of “little girls in pretty boxes” that has persisted in gymnastics for decades. The U.S. team, nicknamed “The Golden Girls,” won eight out of 18 possible medals, including four for Biles, bringing her Olympic total to 11, tying for the second-highest number of medals won by a gymnast in the history of the event.