Simone Biles has responded to criticism regarding her decision to bow to Rebeca Andrade following the floor final at the Olympic Games on Monday.
Baltimore Ravens star Marlon Humphrey criticized Biles for celebrating the Brazilian gymnast on the podium. Andrade, who won Olympic gold after overcoming multiple ACL tears, was honored by Biles and teammate Jordan Chiles, who placed second and third respectively. Humphrey expressed his disapproval on Twitter, calling the gesture “literally disgusting.”
“This is literally disgusting,” Humphrey wrote in response to a tweet from SportsCenter showing Biles and Chiles honoring Andrade. The Brazilian gymnast’s victory in Paris, after three ACL surgeries, was her first Olympic gold.
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Biles defended her decision to bow to her competitor during an interview on the ‘TODAY’ show on Tuesday.
“I think it’s all about sportsmanship, and we don’t care whether we win or lose,” Biles said (via the Daily Mail). “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.”
“You have to give them their flowers and that’s exactly what me and Jordan were doing. We were so happy for her. She deserved it, she had the best floor routine of the day, and of the Olympics.”
Marlon Humphrey’s criticism did not find much support on social media.
“Yeah, because giving someone their flowers who has come back from THREE ACL tears to continue to be a top gymnast is disgusting,” one fan replied sarcastically.
“God forbid athletes show respect to a fellow athlete who has suffered a torn ACL multiple times,” another fan added.
“Man shut up, you NFL guys d-ride players from rivals all the time,” commented another.
“Sportsmanship disgusts you?” asked another.
Humphrey later acknowledged the backlash, tweeting that he was “getting cooked” by Brazilians on social media, seemingly unaware of their native language.
In her interview, Biles also praised Rebeca Andrade, noting that the Brazilian gymnast pushed her to perform her best.
“I’ve never had an athlete so close,” Biles said. “This definitely kept me alert and brought out the best athlete in me. So I’m excited and proud to compete with her.”
“I’ve never been so stressed before. Thank you, Rebeca.”
Biles’s performance at the Olympics was remarkable, earning her three gold medals and one silver, making her the most decorated American female gymnast in history.
