Former first lady Michelle Obama applauded U.S. Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles for their “sisterhood and sportsmanship” after they both dropped down to one knee to honor Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade for her gold medal.
Sharing the viral photo of the moment on the podium, Obama wrote, “I’m still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship! You can just feel the love shining through these ladies. Congrats Rebeca, Jordan and Simone!”
While on the podium on Monday following the women’s floor exercise, Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, and Chiles, a three-time Olympic medalist, both bowed to Andrade, who won her first gold medal for her routine.
Biles and Chiles clinched the silver and bronze medals, respectively, for their floor exercises.
The moment also marked the first all-Black Olympics gymnastics podium.
The show of respect for the Brazilian athlete quickly went viral, with even the Lourve suggesting the photo could be fitting for a spot in the museum.
“It was just the right thing to do,” Biles said afterwards, The Associated Press reported.
“I think it’s all about sportsmanship, and we don’t care whether we win or lose. We’re always going to keep a good face and support our competitors because they’ve worked just as hard as we have for that moment,” Biles said of the gesture on Tuesday’s “TODAY” show.
“So, you have to give them their flowers,” she continued. “And that’s exactly what me and Jordan were doing, and we were so happy for her. She deserved it. She had the best floor routine of the day and in the Olympics,” she added. “So it’s like, yeah, she deserved it.”
Following the bow, Andrade reached for their hands, making for a second viral moment for the gymnasts.
The former first lady has been a vocal supporter of Biles over the year and made headlines in 2021 when she publicly backed the gymnast’s decision to withdraw from the U.S.’s gymnastic competition at the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health.
Biles in 2021 said Obama was a “role model” for her, calling her an “inspiration.”
