Michelle Obama lauds Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles’ ‘sportsmanship’ after Marlon Humphrey criticism

WASHINGTON, DC: Michelle Obama has expressed her support for Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles after they were called out online by Marlon Humphrey.

Biles and Chiles reportedly lost to Rebeca Andrade, the Brazilian gymnast, during the floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics on Monday, August 5.

Simone Biles says ‘it's all about sportsmanship’

Rebeca Andrade won the gold medal while Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles won silver and bronze medals respectively. Following Andrade's win, the latter two bowed down to her to show respect for her and her talent, The New York Post reported.

Biles even told TODAY, “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.”

“She [Andrade] deserved it. She had the best floor routine of the day and in the Olympics. So it's like, yeah, she deserved it,” the 27-year-old gymnast added.

But Marlon Humphrey did not like Biles and Chiles' bowing to Andrade. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This is literally disgusting.”

Michelle Obama and many others back Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles

Former first lady Michelle Obama, however, came in defense of the athletes as she shared on X, “I’m still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship! You can just feel the love shining through these ladies. Congrats Rebeca, Jordan, and Simone! ✨”

The former first lady was backed by many online. Political strategist Mike Harvey commented, “This will be one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history. Not only did the best gymnast arguably ever, bow and defer to a competitor, it was a competitor for another nation. . @Simone_Biles and Jordan represented the team spirit of the United States. Go Team USA 🇺🇸.”

An X user tweeted, “Sportsmanship peaked here ❤.”

“Such an inspiring moment of unity and sportsmanship! The bond between Rebeca, Jordan, and Simone truly shines. Congrats to all! ✨ #SisterhoodInSports,” another user stated.

The third user said, “Respect! This is what makes the sports so beautiful.”

“Respect! This is what makes the sports so beautiful,” the fourth user mentioned.

The fifth one shared, “It was truly beautiful. This is why we love sports n reason why the world organizes the Olympics ❤. Rebeca, Simone n Jordan you three are true Queens.”

“It is absolutely such an iconic image which will live on well after these Olympics has finished ❤,” the sixth one added.

A person posted, “Beautiful moment. The video captured pure sportsmanship... sorry sportswomanship and sisterhood. 🫡🥇”

“Simone is awesome but I was also hoping Rebeca would get Gold too. She gracefully gave her best! Congrats to the Trio. 🥇” another one added.

Marlon Humphrey responds to backlash

Meanwhile, Baltimore Ravens veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey issued another statement after facing a backlash from people supporting Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles.

He tweeted, “I’m lowkey getting cooked right now. I think I’m getting cussed out in Brazilian on Instagram lol.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.