Simone Biles’ Joyful Farewell: A Powerful Indicator of Gymnastics’ Bright Future

The now-iconic photo went viral, with even the Louvre itself suggesting it might be worthy enough for a spot somewhere in the vicinity of the Mona Lisa.

PARIS, France — Simone Biles cast a knowing glance across the awards podium toward Jordan Chiles.

The longtime friends and U.S. gymnastics teammates knew they needed to honor Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade. The method was uncertain but the intent was clear.

After Andrade’s gold medal on floor exercise at the close of the 10-day competition inside Bercy Arena, Biles and Chiles crafted a tribute. This act reflected the current state and hopeful future of their sport at the 2024 Games.

Biles, the undisputed GOAT, and Chiles, an Olympic medalist three times over, knelt in respect to Andrade. This moment symbolized a more diverse, inclusive, and positive trajectory for gymnastics.

“It was just the right thing to do,” Biles said. The moment went viral, and even the Louvre suggested it might deserve a spot near the Mona Lisa.

Fitting for an Olympics that presented many masterpieces.

Biles and the American women crowned their “Redemption Tour” by winning gold in the team final. Biles vanquished her inner doubts from the Tokyo Games by claiming a second all-around title eight years after her first.

Andrade led Brazil to its first Olympic team medal, then added three more individual medals. She finished runner-up to Biles in the all-around and vault, and became the first woman to edge Biles in a floor exercise final.

The Italian women secured their first team medal in nearly a century. Japan made a thrilling comeback on high bar to surpass China for gold. The U.S. men, along with “Pommel Horse Guy” Stephen Nedoroscik, returned to the Olympic podium for the first time in 16 years. Carlos Yulo of the Philippines tripled his country’s all-time gold medal count in just 24 hours.

Positive vibes were everywhere, led by Biles, who frequently redirected her spotlight toward the other competitors.

On what could have been the final day of her career, Biles’s voice resonated through an eerily quiet arena as she cheered for all the other balance beam finalists, irrespective of nationality or scores.

Afterward, Biles praised Italians Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito, who claimed gold and bronze in beam after half the field, including Biles, fell inside the arena.

“I’m super excited and proud of them because now they’re building bricks for the other Italian girls,” she said.

The U.S. women’s team smashed age-old stereotypes. Biles, Chiles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, and young Hezly Rivera arrived in France with something to prove. And they did, with the U.S. winning eight out of 18 possible medals.

Biles’s four medals brought her Olympic total to 11, tied for the second most ever by a female gymnast. More importantly, the team embraced a process filled with joy, demolishing the “little girls in pretty boxes” stereotype that has plagued the sport for decades.

“It’s been so much fun,” Carey said. “And I think so many have seen that, that we’re just having fun out there. And I think that’s bringing out the best gymnastics from us.”

A decade ago, these athletes might be retiring. Now, none of them — Biles included — have made firm decisions about their future.

Biles hinted at a future in Los Angeles 2028, saying “never say never.” Lee, still just 21, is weighing her options. Carey and Chiles will join Biles on her post-Olympic tour and have college eligibility left.

Biles, in particular, urged the media not to press about the future so soon after the athletes’ biggest moments. She chose to savor her third Olympics. The final moment with Chiles and Andrade lifted years of weight off her shoulders.

“There’s nothing left,” Biles said. “We did our job, you know what I’m saying? So yeah, it was hard, but we did it.”