Simone Biles Blasted for Bowing To Brazilian Olympic Gymnast
Simon Biles and Jordan Chiles bowed to Brazilian rival Rebeca Andrade on the podium at the 2024 Olympics—and NFL player Marlon Humphrey is not having it.
The 28-year-old Baltimore Ravens cornerback took to X to slam the American gymnasts after they took a loss on Monday’s floor finals. “This is literally disgusting,” he wrote. But he seemed more bothered about Biles and Chiles bowing to Andrare as she clinched the Olympic gold than the fact they came second and third, respectively.
Biles has now shared the story behind the gesture with TODAY.
“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,” the American gymnast shared.
“You have to give them their flowers,” the 27-year-old continued.
Adding, “And that’s exactly what me and Jordan were doing. We were so happy for her. She deserved it, she had the best floor routine of the day, and of the Olympics.”
It’s worth noting that Andrade has suffered three ACL tears throughout her career—the last being at her country’s national championships in June 2019.
So naturally, fans went after Humphrey, slamming his views.
“Three black women who are the best at what they do showing sportsmanship is what you would define as disgusting?,” one user wrote on X.
“Yeah, because giving someone their flowers who has come back from THREE ACL tears to continue to be a top gymnast is disgusting,” penned another.
The win was historic, prompting the first all-Black gymnastics podium. After the USA submitted an inquiry, a 0.1 increase was added to Chile’s original score of 13.666.
“She’s worked so hard for that moment. We really put those routines in, in training … no matter what pressure we’re under, they tried to make us hit as many routines as possible—like well done. And so just to see how excited Jordan was, and I knew that meant the world to her,” Simone, who has 4 World Championship Golds, said.
“I was so happy for her because it’s been a long run and we’ve done this for so long together and competing again on an Olympic stage is crazy,” she added.
Biles’ awkward landing cost her the top spot but she’s not too fazed about it.
“A couple of years ago I didn’t think I’d be back here at an Olympic game. So competing and then walking away with four medals, I’m not mad about it. I’m pretty proud of myself and it’s always so exciting to compete,” she continued.