Simone Biles Reflects on Viral Bowing Moment at Olympics: 'It Felt Right'

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 find a way to honor Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade. They just weren’t sure how.

What they came up with after Andrade’s gold medal in floor exercise at the end of the 10 days inside Bercy Arena symbolized the state of their sport at the 2024 Games.

It signaled where gymnastics is now. And where it is heading.

Biles, the unequivocal Greatest of All Time, and Chiles, a three-time Olympic medalist known for her talent and grit, dropped to one knee. This show of respect to Andrade symbolized how the sport is growing more diverse, inclusive, and positive.

“It was just the right thing to do,” Biles said. This moment, now viral, was even suggested by the Louvre as possibly worthy to be displayed near the Mona Lisa.

The scene was fitting for an Olympics littered with masterpieces.

Biles and the American women finished their “Redemption Tour” by reclaiming gold in the team final. Biles dismissed any inner doubts from the Tokyo Games and silenced critics by earning her second all-around title eight years after her first.

Andrade led Brazil to its first Olympic team medal (a bronze). She added three more medals in the individual competitions, finishing runner-up to Biles in the all-around and vault before edging her out in the floor exercise final.

The Italian women took home their first team medal in nearly a century. Japan staged a remarkable comeback on the high bar in the last rotation to slip by China for gold. The U.S. men and “Pommel Horse Guy” Stephen Nedoroscik returned to the Olympic podium after 16 years. Carlos Yulo of the Philippines tripled his country’s Summer Olympic gold count in 24 hours.

Good vibes permeated, led by Biles who often redirected her vibrant spotlight onto the other competitors.

This camaraderie peaked on what could have been the final day of her career. The 27-year-old’s voice could be heard encouraging each balance beam finalist inside the quiet arena, irrespective of nationality, age, or score.

Afterward, Biles praised Italians Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito for their gold and bronze in beam, emphasizing their roles in shaping Italy’s future gymnastics program.

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

These bricks have long existed in the U.S. However, Biles, Chiles, six-time Olympic medalist Sunisa Lee, and three-time Olympic medalist Jade Carey shattered the “little girls in pretty boxes” stereotype that haunted the sport for decades.

The four 20-somethings — and 16-year-old Hezly Rivera — came to Paris with scores to settle. Biles sought to leave behind the shadows of Tokyo. Lee aimed to overcome her “imposter syndrome” and persistent health issues. Chiles and Carey were determined to reclaim the top podium spot from Russia.

The U.S. team won eight out of 18 possible medals, with Biles earning four, tying her Olympic total to 11, the second most ever by a women’s gymnast.

Equally important was their approach. This team, the oldest the U.S. has ever fielded, embraced pressure but also found joy, dubbing themselves “The Golden Girls.”

“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, the core four would be retiring. Today, none, including Biles, have made firm future decisions. Biles hinted at a possible return for Los Angeles 2028, saying “never say never.” Lee, still 21, is weighing her options. Carey and Chiles, who will join Biles on her post-Olympic tour, still have college eligibility.

Biles admonished the media for pressing about the future immediately after such monumental events. She emphasized that she focused far too long on what’s next.

No longer. She soaked in her third Olympics, enjoying every moment from the first rotation to her final show of respect alongside Chiles and Andrade.

“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.”