Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowed to Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade after she won gold in the women’s Olympic floor exercise final on Monday.
In a photo circulating on social media, Biles – who won silver – and Chiles – who received bronze – can be seen kneeling next to Andrade on the podium as Andrade raises his arms and throws his head back.
“First, it was an all-black podium, which was very emotional for us,” Biles said. “But then Jordan said, ‘Should we bow down to her?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely’.”
“She is such an exciting gymnast to watch, and all the fans in the crowd are cheering her on. It was the right thing to do,” Biles said. “She’s a queen.”
Andrade’s victory on Monday makes her the first gymnast to beat Biles in the final of a floor exercise at a major international competition, according to the Associated Press. The Brazilian gymnast won four medals—Monday’s gold in the floor exercise, two silvers in the individual all-around and vault and a bronze in the team event — at the Paris Summer Olympics.
“She’s an icon, a legend, so why don’t we give her flowers,” Chiles said of her idea to bow. “She not only gave Simone flowers, but [she has] for many of us in the US too. Giving back is what makes it so beautiful. We felt it was necessary.”
See more information: What to know about Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles’ biggest rival
Biles, who won her 11th Olympic medal on Monday, has previously admitted that Andrade is her biggest competitor, although their rivalry has been friendly over the years.
“It’s an honor to compete alongside her, to root for her,” Andrade said after she and her teammates won the first Olympic medal in the team event at this year’s Games, behind Team USA’s gold. “Simone is a reference for the whole world, not only for gymnastics, but for many athletes.”
“She’s a competitor — she always keeps me on my toes,” Biles said after Monday’s final. “It’s always an honor every time I get to compete with her.”
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story