Historic Win for Black Gymnasts

In a groundbreaking moment at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, gymnasts Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles, and Jordan Chiles made history by becoming the first three Black gymnasts to occupy the top three spots in an Olympic floor exercise event. This achievement mirrors a similar milestone reached at last year's world championships, where Biles and Andrade also shared the podium with Shilese Jones in the individual all-around competition. Rebeca Andrade, who clinched the gold medal, has emerged as a national icon in Brazil. Overcoming significant challenges, including poverty and three ACL knee injuries, Andrade has now become her country’s most decorated Olympic athlete, boasting a total of six medals. Her victory at the Bercy Arena was a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport. Jordan Chiles secured the bronze medal in a dramatic turn of events. After her coaches questioned the judges' scoring of her routine, an appeal led to a review that adjusted her score from 13.666 to 13.766, propelling her from fifth to third place. Chiles expressed surprise at the change, marking her first individual Olympic medal. Simone Biles, a legendary figure in gymnastics, earned a silver medal in what may be her final Olympic appearance. With this latest accolade, Biles has now amassed a total of 11 Olympic medals, the highest ever achieved by a U.S. gymnast, solidifying her legacy in the sport.