Simone Biles’ warm gesture after edging out biggest rival to clinch vault gold wins over fans

PARIS, FRANCE: American's decorated gymnast Simone Biles won the gold in the vault final on August 3, shortly after competing against Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade in the women's gymnastics single all-around competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Andrade finished second with silver, while Team USA's other gymnast, Jade Carey, took third place with bronze.

Spectators at the Olympics had nothing but respect for Biles and her rival, Andrade, when they both hugged each other during the vault finals.

Simone Biles acknowledges Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade puts her on her toes

According to USA Today, it is Simone Biles' seventh gold medal of her Olympic career and her 10th Olympic medal overall, increasing her record for the most Olympic medals won by an American gymnast. The vault gold is her third gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

With a score of 15.3, Biles narrowly defeated the Brazilian competitor and won the gold medal. Andrade, 25, earned silver with a score of 14.9, per Daily Mail.

After taking first place in the all-around competition, Biles talked about how difficult it was for her to win, particularly because of Andrade.

Biles appeared to be under a lot of stress as Andrade was finishing her number when she ended her set on the floor. The fact that Biles experienced such pressure indicates how much respect she has for her rivals.

Despite being regarded as the GOAT in gymnastics, Biles gave Andrade her credit.

In a playful press conference after her victory, Biles admitted that she was compelled to "bring out the big guns".

"I'm excited and proud to compete with [Andrade], but I don't like it no more."

"I mean, I'm getting uncomfortable, guys. I don't like that feeling. I was stressing. I don't want to compete with Rebeca no more. I'm tired," Biles continued.

The most decorated gymnast added: "She's way too close. I've never had an athlete that close, so it definitely put me on my toes and it brought up the best athlete in myself."

In response to Biles' compliments, Andrade told reporters via a translator, "It was really cool knowing that I made her work, right? It's an honor to be able to compete next to her."

 

Who is Rebeca Andrade?

Brazilain gymnast Rebeca Andrade faced several obstacles in her quest to realize her dream of being a professional gymnast. During her career, she suffered three ACL injuries and contemplated quitting the sport multiple times.

Given that she "was always active" as a child, the Olympian's love for gymnastics started at a young age—she joined the sport at four years old.

"My aunt took me to the gym where she worked and I began doing gymnastics. It was amazing," Andrade told the International Federation of Gymnastics.

Andrade debuted at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020. The 2024 Paris Olympics is Andrade's third appearance at the Summer Games, per People.

The Brazilian gymnast finished second in the all-around to Team USA's Sunisa Lee, earning her first Olympic medal in Tokyo. She created history for her nation shortly after by winning gold in the vault final.

Due to her ability in all four gymnastics events—the vault, uneven bars, balancing beam, and floor—Biles is one of Andrade's greatest competitors for the Olympic gold in all-around gymnastics.

Biles has acknowledged Andrade as her "fiercest competitor". But their rivalry has always been amicable and courteous.

Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade share deep respect for one another

Despite competing for the same podium position, silver medalist Rebeca Andrade and gold medalist Simone Biles have a great deal of respect for one another.

Ahead of the 2024 Olympics, Andrade stated in May that it is an "honor to compete alongside" Biles, adding that she "hopes" she "does her best" when going up against her in Paris.

Andrade told The Washington Post, "I’ve grown such affection for her," while Biles replied, "I actually love competing with Rebeca. She does push me."

The Sao Paulo native even recalled an instance at the 2018 world championships when Biles gave a heartfelt speech in private following a disappointing performance due to a knee ailment.

"She told me, ‘Don’t give up. You’re talented. And you’re going to get past this,’ It was such a kind moment, so affectionate, because there was no one else around," Andrade recalled.

Olympic fans applaud Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade's post-vault exchange

Social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade's post-vault win conversation as one user said, "Also loved hearing Biles encourage Andrade on the beam. We need so much more of this spirit in sports!"

A second user chimed in, "The respect rebeca and simone have for each other as the two best gymnasts alive… simone keeps rebe striving for more and rebe is too good to let simone ever get too comfortable. constantly working it out on the remix. girl’s girls."

The X account espnW wrote, "The support Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles show each other."

"The highest compliment for Rebecca!" exclaimed another one.

One added, "Behind every gold, there's your greatest team of all."

"I loved watching them compete. Simone and Rebeca are absolute legends in the sport," one noted.

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