For Simone Biles, there was a simple reason why she and her teammate, Jordan Chiles, chose to bow to their rival and friend, Rebeca Andrade, after she claimed Olympic gold: Sportsmanship.

While it wasn't the outcome she had hoped for, gymnastics superstar Simone Biles appeared far from upset after being bested by Brazil's Rebeca Andrade at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The Bercy Arena witnessed Andrade's formidable performance as she secured four medals, including gold in the floor final — surpassing the incomparable Biles, who took home silver, and Chiles, who earned bronze. Notably, Andrade became the first gymnast to defeat Biles in a floor final at a major international competition.

During the women's artistic gymnastics floor medal ceremony, an unexpected and heartwarming moment unfolded. Biles and Chiles, positioned on either side of Andrade on their respective podiums, spontaneously bowed down to the Brazilian champion. The young women later shared that it was an impromptu decision.
“It was just the right thing to do,” Biles explained.

While this moment received widespread praise, it also sparked criticism from some quarters, most notably from Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

“This is literally disgusting,” Humphrey wrote with a photo of the moment.

Humphrey went on to question the appropriateness of such gestures in the competitive realm of sports, igniting a spirited debate on social media and sports forums. He argued that these displays might undermine the competitive spirit and give the impression of conceding defeat too easily. However, this perspective misses the broader values that sportsmanship embodies — respect, humility, and the recognition of excellence, irrespective of personal stakes.

Conversely, many athletes, commentators, and fans have applauded Biles and Chiles for their actions. They contend that such gestures promote a healthy sporting environment where athletes can celebrate each other's successes without diminishing their own. This positive reinforcement fosters camaraderie and inspires young athletes to appreciate the importance of respect and mutual admiration in sports.

For parents, the actions of Biles and Chiles provide valuable teaching moments. Here are several ways parents can use this incident to discuss the importance of good sportsmanship with their children:

Respect for Competitors: Parents can explain to their children that showing respect for competitors, as Biles and Chiles did, is a fundamental aspect of good sportsmanship. It teaches children that acknowledging others' achievements does not lessen their own accomplishments but rather enhances the spirit of the game.

Humility in Victory and Defeat: Biles and Chiles exemplified humility by celebrating Andrade's performance. Parents can highlight that humility in both victory and defeat is crucial. Winning is not just about outperforming others but also about appreciating the efforts and skills of all participants.

Positive Role Models: Use the example of Biles and Chiles to demonstrate how being a positive role model can influence others. Their actions showed that even at the highest levels of competition, maintaining a respectful and supportive attitude is possible and commendable.

Handling Criticism: Discuss with children how public figures like Biles and Chiles handle criticism. This can be a lesson in resilience and staying true to one’s values even when faced with negative feedback.

Team Spirit and Support: Emphasize the importance of supporting teammates and competitors alike. Biles and Chiles’ support for Andrade shows that sports are not just about individual performance but also about uplifting others and building a supportive community.

The actions of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles serve as a powerful reminder of what true sportsmanship looks like. In a world where competition can often overshadow the fundamental values of sports, their gestures bring us back to the core principles of respect, humility, and camaraderie. For parents, these moments are golden opportunities to instill these values in their children, teaching them that true greatness lies not just in winning but in how we honor and uplift those around us.