Team USA’s Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles saluted Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade as she was awarded the gold medal in the women’s floor exercise final.
After Simone Biles’ silver-medal score came in during the women’s floor exercise final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she walked over to her competitor Rebeca Andrade — to gave her a high-five and a big hug.
Andrade edged Biles out for the gold medal on Monday, and the accolades from Biles didn’t stop once the scores were announced.
When Andrade stepped on the podium, Biles and bronze medalist Jordan Chiles bowed down on either side of her and grabbed her hands as she was awarded the gold medal.
Andrade became the most-decorated Brazilian athlete in history after finishing in Paris with four medals: one gold, two silver, one bronze.
Biles appeared to tweak her calf during landing a tumbling pass during warmups and re-taped her calf ahead of her floor routine. (She had also complained of her calf earlier in the competition.) Biles stepped out of bounds twice during her routine.
Before Biles’ score was announced, she was heard on camera speculating on what may happen on the podium.
“I think she got that one. I think Rebeca got this one,” Biles said. “Oh, I’m scared.”
Biles scored 14.133, just fractions of a point behind Andrade’s score of 14.166. Chiles scored 13.766 and initially finished in fourth place. After submitting an inquiry, the judges updated Chiles’ score — landing her on the podium.
After the medal ceremony, Biles continued to gush over Andrade.
“I have so much respect for her. She’s such a good competitor,” Biles said. “She keeps me on my toes. It’s an honor to get to compete with her.”
Biles had previously echoed a similar sentiment after winning the women’s all-around finals, where Andrade finished closely behind her to secure the silver medal.
“I don’t want to compete with Rebeca anymore! I’m tired. She’s very close to me — I’ve never had an athlete so close,” Biles said during a press conference. “This definitely kept me alert and brought out the best athlete in me. So I’m excited and proud to compete with her, but — no.”
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