Simone Biles responds to critics after bowing to champion Rebeca Andrade

Multiple Olympics medalist Simone Biles has hit back against criticism for her decision to bow down to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade after their floor final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Monday. 

On Monday, right after the medal ceremony Marlon Humphrey, a NFL player took to X to share his feelings on the two USA gymnasts hailing Andrade after she won her first gold medal of the summer.

Humphrey wasn’t impressed with the legendary gymnast and her teammate Jordan Chiles for their decision to celebrate Andrade on the podium in Paris.

However, Biles has defended their actions during the ceremony labeling it as sportsmanship.

In an interview on the TODAY show on Tuesday morning, Biles said they didn’t care about the loss during that moment.

𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝! ✨

Brazil's shining star, Rebeca Andrade claimed the top spot on the floor exercise podium! 🥇

Witnessing Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bow down to the queen
was a magical moment in sportsmanship.

This historic all-Black podium is a… pic.twitter.com/69GDvcdWTd

— Create Ensemble (@CreateEnsemble) August 6, 2024

“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.

“You have to give them their flowers 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,” she said.

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Biles also praised Andrade for keeping the competition high in gymnastics at the Olympics.

“I’ve never had an athlete so close,” Biles said about facing the Brazilian.

“This definitely kept me alert and brought out the best athlete in me. So I’m excited and proud to compete with her.

“I’ve never been so stressed before. Thank you, Rebeca,” she added.

Biles finished the 2024 Olympics with four medals, including three in gold, to take her total count to 11.