Black Girl Magic!
Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and Rebeca Andrade etched their names in the history books as the first all-Black gymnastics podium finishers. Competing in the Floor Exercise in the 2024 Olympic Games on Monday, the talented trio delivered stunning performances and swept the medals.
Andrade, 25, clinched gold in the floor final. Biles, 27, took home the silver, and 23-year-old Chiles earned the bronze, creating an inspiring and historic all-Black podium.
Reflecting on this incredible achievement, Andrade expressed her pride and the significance of the moment. “We can show the Black Power,” Andrade said. “I love myself, my skin color. But I’m also not focused on that. Rebeca goes beyond her color,” she shared, speaking in the third person.
Andrade emphasized the importance of representation and perseverance, stating, “The idea is it serves as an incentive. Sometimes it may be more difficult because of our skin color, but we have proven that it’s possible, and you can do it.”
During the medal ceremony, Biles and Chiles bowed to Andrade in recognition of her gold medal victory. “She’s so amazing, she’s queen,” Biles said of Andrade. “And first, it was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us.”
Biles revealed that it was Chiles who suggested the gesture. “I was like, absolutely,” Biles continued. “So we’re like, are we gonna do it now? And then that’s why we did it.” Biles added that Andrade is “such an excitement to watch,” and Team USA noticed the fans’ enthusiasm for her.
Chiles echoed this sentiment, expressing her admiration for Andrade. “Not only has she given Simone her flowers, but a lot of us in the United States our flowers as well. Giving it back is what makes it so beautiful,” Chiles said, calling Andrade “an icon” and a “legend.”
Simone Biles, who became the most-decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history on July 30, remains humble about her achievements. “I just go out here and do what I’m supposed to and I’m doing what I love and enjoying it, so that’s really all that matters to me,” Biles said.
After her stellar performance in the floor final, Biles reflected on her journey. “I’ve accomplished way more than my wildest dreams in the sport. I can’t be mad at my performances. A couple of years ago, I didn’t think I’d be back here at an Olympic game,” she added.
Congratulations ladies!
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