Finally! The long-awaited gold medal has come Rebeca Andrade‘s way. After securing three medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Brazilian gymnast added her fourth—and most prestigious—honor in the women’s individual floor exercise. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation as Andrade, glowing with triumph, ascended to the pinnacle of her career, and runner-up Simone Biles had to show her admiration as well.

Biles, the indomitable champion and Andrade’s arch-rival stood beside her on the podium with a silver medal draped around her neck. Biles, known for her competitive spirit, didn’t just acknowledge Andrade’s victory—she embraced it with genuine sportsmanship.

In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster, the medal presentation ceremony unfolded with high emotions. Biles, alongside her close friend and bronze medalist Jordan Chiles, made Andrade’s crowning moment a spectacle of camaraderie and respect. The crowd in the French capital watched in awe as Biles and Chiles orchestrated a heartfelt tribute to the Brazilian star. A post by Gymnastics Now on X captured this extraordinary display of affection and sportsmanship, showcasing the very best of the Olympic spirit.

“Simone and Jordan bowed to Rebeca as she was named the Olympic champion on floor,” reads the caption of the post, as the accompanying image shows the Americans hailing Rebeca for her latest achievement. Considering how rumors of this Olympics being Andrade’s last time on the grand stage are going rampant, the USA’s most decorated gymnast’s special act surely made the three-time World Championships gold medalist’s day.

And so, Rebeca Andrade’s journey from hopeful contender to Olympic champion reached its zenith, with her rivals-turned-friends making sure her victory was celebrated with all the drama and grandeur it deserved. Later, Biles and the bronze medalist were also heard showering the floor champ with genuine praise. “Rebeca’s so amazing… she’s queen!” Simone giggled, while Jordan bestowed the title of “legend” on her Brazilian opponent, reports a later post by Gymnastics Now. With her gesture, Biles also underscored the fact that she’s in awe of Andrade, despite whatever the former’s heard telling the media.

Seeing Simone and Jordan acknowledging Andrade’s journey from struggling with injuries to the top of the world even prompted former First Lady Michelle Obama to make time and beam at the gesture. In her post on X from August 6, Obama wrote, “…still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship!” as she commended the three gymnasts for showing love and camaraderie go a long way.

Simone Biles isn’t shy to hail her peers

After winning the women’s individual all-around gold just three days ago in the French capital, the world’s most prominent gymnast claimed that competing against Rebeca is a “stressful” challenge that she doesn’t want to face again. Simone’s 59.131 ensured the top spot on the podium, but Andrade wasn’t far behind with 57.932 points to her name. “I don’t wanna compete with Rebeca no more—I’m tired,” joked Simone in the post-game interview. While the 11-time Olympic medalist stated, “I’m getting uncomfortable guys,” her opponent ensured that she was far from tired to compete against the American. “Simone is the best, and she brings out the best of me,” said Rebeca, describing Simone’s impact on others and now making Biles’ latest gesture seem like a nod back to her colleague.

While Chiles and her bestie’s bowing is making fans go ga-ga over the wholesomeness of the entire incident, Andrade isn’t the only gymnast who induced the Texas resident to erupt with support. When the Italian gymnasts Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito proved their superiority on the balance beam, Simone emphatically lauded their triumphs with ecstasy despite not clinching any honor on the apparatus.

With the dust now settling down, the only thing that remains to be seen if Andrade really decides to bid adieu to the individual all-around, or if she has enough steam in herself for one last fight against the enigma that is Simone Biles.