Perhaps the most iconic moment of the 2024 Paris Olympics was masterminded by U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles as she and Simone Biles bowed down to Brazilian gold medal-winner Rebeca Andrade after she won gold in the floor exercise competition on Aug. 5.
“That was actually my idea,” Chiles told TODAY.com. “Rebeca has done a lot within her sport, within her country. So I felt like not only was it a Black podium, I felt like people should get recognized the proper way, and bowing down to her was like giving her that recognition that she really deserved that medal.”
Andrade is Brazil’s first Olympic gymnastics gold medalist, having barely beaten out Biles, 14.166 to 14.133.
Biles limped off the floor after a warm-up tumble and seemingly had some discomfort in her calf.
She was also seen cheering for Andrade throughout the event.
Andrade walks away from the Paris Olympics with four medals — two silvers and a bronze in addition to her gold — for a Brazillian record six career medals in the gymnastics competitions.
“She was the best one out there,” Chiles said. “Like, she did her thing.”
Andrade had been pushing Biles for the best in the sport title, which the American admitted was exhausting.
“I don’t want to compete with Rebeca no more. I’m tired!” Biles said. “It’s way too close. … It definitely put me on my toes, and it brought out the best athlete in myself. So I’m excited and proud to compete with her, but … I don’t like it!”
Biles exited Paris with four medals — three gold, and one silver — while Chiles snagged two medals, including one gold in the team competition alongside her star teammate.
All three, however, combined for one of the more enduring images from the Games.