Artistic Gymnastics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 10 - Source: Getty — Jordan Chiles reacts to receiving a major honor for celebrating Rebeca Andrade's win with Simone Biles at the Paris Olympics [Image Source : Getty]

Jordan Chiles reacts after receiving major honor alongside Simone Biles for respectful gesture celebrating Rebecca Andrade at Paris Olympics

Modified Nov 14, 2024 05:38 GMT

Olympic champion gymnast Jordan Chiles has recently reacted to receiving a major honor for the Paris Olympics. Chiles and Simone Biles have been jointly awarded the 2024 Jack Kelly Fair Play Award by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

The Committee decided to bestow this award on the duo for their brilliant sportsmanship gesture towards Rebeca Andrade after the finals of the women's floor exercise event at the Paris Olympics.

Chiles expressed her thoughts on the Instagram with emotional emojis,

Screengrab of Jordan Chiles' Instagram Story on the honor after Paris Olympics 2024 [Image Source : Jordan Chiles' Instagram]

Andrade had won the finals of the floor exercise event, edging out Simone Biles by the barest of the margins. The Brazilian gymnast scored a total of 14.166, while Biles stood second at 14.133. Chiles took home the bronze medal, though it was revoked later.

When Andrade stepped up on the podium, both Biles and Chiles turned towards her and made a 'hands down' gesture in appreciation of the Brazilian gymnast's achievements. Most of the fans appreciated the sportsmanship of the American gymnasts, including Michelle Obama, who congratulated the duo through her X platform, as she wrote,

"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!"

Despite the controversy around her bronze medal, Jordan Chiles did not return empty handed. She contributed to a historic gold medal in the team all-around event for the Team USA at the Paris Olympics.

Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles on bowing down to Rebeca Andrade

Rebeca Andrade posing with Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles at the victory ceremony of the women's floor exercise finals at the Paris Olympics 2024 [Image Source : Getty[

When Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles made a bow to Rebeca Andrade, their move evoked mixed reactions. However, both were crystal clear on why they made this move. In an interview with former teammate Alexandra Raisman, Biles stated,

"So whenever it's something for somebody else, I know and I see the hard work that they put in, because for me, since I'm living in my own body, I don't feel it the same......But whenever I see somebody else accomplish it, I feel like that's the excitement I get, because I've seen the hours, and I wish I could celebrate myself like that!"

It turned out that it was Chiles who suggested Biles to make the move. The 23-year-old gymnast later explained,

"She is a legend an icon herself, so I feel like being recognized is what everybody should do when it comes to somebody who has put in the work, put in the dedication."

"So yeah, at that moment I was like, ‘You know it was an all-Black podium, second of all, why don’t we just give her flowers because not only has she given Simone her flowers but a lot of us in the United States our flowers as well.’ Giving it back is what makes it so beautiful. I felt like it was needed," added Chiles.

Jordan Chiles is currently enjoying her off season after having taken part in the second season of the Simone Biles- led 'Gold over America Tour'. The tour began on September 16, and concluded at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on November 3.