In the heart of Sportpaleis, time seemed to stand still as the world collectively held its breath in anticipation. The podium was moments away from welcoming the names of three extraordinary gymnasts, the All-Around winners of the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Simone Biles, seated beside her teammate Shilese Jones, and her coach, Cécile Landi, paced and waited anxiously for the results. Then, the arena erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

Biles won gold with a remarkable score of 58.399 in the final standings. Rebeca Andrade, of Brazil, claimed the silver with a score of 56.766. USA’s Shilese Jones secured the bronze with a score of 56.332. Biles seized her sixth All-Around title, becoming the first female gymnast to do so. With an astonishing tally of 34 world and Olympic medals, she is now the most decorated gymnast in history. However, these three girls together marked another historic moment; one that broke the internet.

Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade, and Shilese Jones make history together

A post on X by The Medal Count read, “For the first time ever in women’s gymnastics The gold, silver, and bronze medals in the All-Around at the World Championships goes to a trio of black gymnasts” 

This achievement by the 3 young women marked the first all-black podium in the history of World Women’s Championship gymnastics. This news brought the internet and fans from all corners of the world to pour out their admiration for the trio.

How the gymnastics trio broke the internet

Amidst the celebrations, fans and supporters from across the globe poured in their amazement and admiration for these remarkable young women. Their achievements resonated far beyond the arena.

One comment remarked on the historicity of the moment saying, “The story of Black women in gymnastics has often been cast as a US-only story. But there are incredible Black gymnasts who are making history from Brazil, France, GB, Belgium, and more. All of them have remade the sport, pushing it away from its colonial and racist origins.”

One fan expressed, “The 2023 Women’s World All-Around Medalists! Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade, Shilese Jones. This is the 1st all-Black podium in Worlds Women’s Championship Gymnastics History!”

Another enthusiast shared, “Literally my favorite Worlds ever. I already love gymnastics, but the black excellence has been next level!”

Yet another fan celebrated with, “Black girls in gymnastics do it all!”

In the words of one supporter, “For the first time in women’s gymnastics, the 3 gymnasts on the all-around podium at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championship are black: Simone Biles with a gold medal, Rebeca Andrade with a silver medal, and Shiles Jones with a bronze medal.”

Another heartwarming news was shared by one fan, “Ten years after Simone Biles’ first AA world championship win, after which she was subject to racist comments, she wins for the 6th time and is joined by two other Black gymnasts. A historic podium.”

Read more: Despite Unbeatable Vault, Simone Biles Takes Huge Risk for Her 6th Title at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023

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