Entertainment Sports Olympics Simone Biles Says She and Jordan Chiles Bowed Down to Rebeca Andrade to 'Show Good Sportsmanship' (Exclusive) "It was representation," Biles tells PEOPLE of their all-Black podium for the gymnastics floor final By Julie Mazziotta Julie Mazziotta Julie Mazziotta is the Senior Sports Editor at PEOPLE, covering everything from the NFL to tennis to Simone Biles and Tom Brady. She was previously an Associate Editor for the Health vertical for six years, and prior to joining PEOPLE worked at Health Magazine. When not covering professional athletes, Julie spends her time as a (very) amateur athlete, training for marathons, long bike trips and hikes. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 7, 2024 12:44PM EDT Comments For Simone Biles, there was a simple reason why she and Jordan Chiles decided to bow down to rival (and friend) Rebeca Andrade after she beat them for gold: "Sportsmanship." It was a move that was largely praised as women supporting women, other than a few critics. And one that was important to Biles. "[We were] showing good sportsmanship [and] having fun out there because it was the last competition," the superstar gymnast, 27, tells PEOPLE. The moment capped off a medal-heavy and record-breaking Olympics for Biles, who earned three gold and one silver medal during the 2024 Games. Her sole silver came against Andrade in the floor final, and it was there that Biles and Chiles, 23, bowed to the six-time Olympic medalist, 25. Simone Biles Says It Was 'Important' for Her to Stand Up for Her Teammates (Exclusive) That podium also held a bigger significance — it marked the first time, ever, that an Olympics podium was entirely made up of Black gymnasts, a moment that certainly was not lost on Biles. "It was representation," she says. "For all the little girls and boys that look like us, for them to believe in themselves that they can do it too. I was one day in their shoes when I saw Gabby [Douglas] win and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, if she can do it, I can do it.' " Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bow down to Rebeca Andrade of Brazil on Aug. 5. Naomi Baker/Getty Biles has been setting an example for all the gymnasts, athletes and people that look up to her throughout the Games, not just for her emphasis on representation, but also for how she has highlighted the importance of good mental health. If Simone Biles’ Didn't Face the ‘Twisties’ in Tokyo, She Likely Wouldn’t Have Been Pushed for a Paris Comeback, Mom Says (Exclusive) Reflecting on how she feels now, after the Paris Games, compared to after Tokyo in 2021, Biles says she's "at a better spot, mentally and physically." Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade and Jordan Chiles on Aug. 5. Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty "I'm just happy with overall what I've been able to accomplish and what I've done, because putting in that therapy and that mental work meant everything to me, and it was much needed," she says. And now, after over a week and a half of competition, Biles, who graces PEOPLE's cover this week, has one thing on her mind: To "relax." To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up for Going for Gold, our Olympics newsletter, to get the biggest stories from the Games delivered straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, beginning July 26, on NBC and Peacock.