Earlier this week, Andrade, Biles and Suni Lee were the first all-around gymnast podium to be comprised entirely of people of color.
Last year, Biles, Andrade, and U.S. gymnast Shilese Jones made up the first all-Black podium at a World Artistic Gymnastics Championship event.
Andrade also made history on her own as the most decorated Brazilian athlete of all time with six medals. She won four— one gold, two silver and one bronze— at the Summer Games.
Biles became the most decorated American Olympic gymnast last week. She now has 11 Olympic medals.
Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade and Jordan Chiles having a moment. Gabriel Bouys / AFP – Getty Images
After receiving their medals in the floor exercise final, Biles complimented Andrade.
“I have so much respect for her. She’s such a good competitor,” she said. “She keeps me on my toes. It’s an honor to get to compete with her.”
The 25-year-old Brazilian — who has overcome adversity after tearing her ACL three times — and Biles have been neck and neck with each other in multiple gymnastic events over the past week.
Biles edged past Andrade and collected the gold medal in the women’s all-around final on Aug. 1. Andrade trailed her slightly, earning second place. Team USA’s Suni Lee, 21, came in third, meaning that three women of color took the top three places in that event, as well.
After coming out on top in the all-around finals, Biles spoke about Andrade’s skills with admiration.
“I don’t want to compete with Rebeca anymore! I’m tired. She’s very close to me — I’ve never had an athlete so close,” she said in a press conference. “This definitely kept me alert and brought out the best athlete in me. So I’m excited and proud to compete with her, but — no.”
Biles added, “I’ve never been so stressed before. Thank you, Rebeca.”
Now, Biles, Andrade, Chiles, Lee and the rest of the phenomenal women’s gymnasts have officially closed out their historic run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
SOURCE: today.com