Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently voiced her support for Team USA gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, who were criticized by some after their medals photo went viral. The duo was photographed bowing down to Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who had just won gold in the floor exercise. Many people online found this gesture disrespectful, including NFL player Marlon Humphrey, who called it “disgusting.” However, Obama praised the athletes for displaying good sportsmanship following their silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Obama shared a positive message on social media, congratulating Rebeca Andrade, Jordan Chiles, and Simone Biles, and calling the moment a beautiful display of “sisterhood and sportsmanship.” Humphrey received significant backlash for his opinion, admitting that he was receiving negative comments in Portuguese from Brazilian Instagram users.
This Olympics has been a journey of redemption for both Biles and Chiles, who together have won six medals for Team USA. Simone Biles’ experience at the games has been particularly eventful, as she had to leave the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns, known as “the twisties.” However, she returned in Paris with impressive performances, earning three gold medals and one silver.
Biles also found herself involved in a bit of social media drama during these Olympic games. She appeared to shade her former teammate MyKayla Skinner on Instagram, who had previously criticized the United States’ “work ethic.” In response, Skinner pleaded with Biles to ask her followers to stop harassing her and praised Biles for her advocacy of mental health awareness.
Simone Biles has now completed her participation in these Olympics but has not ruled out a return to gymnastics in 2028.
