via Reuters

Simone Biles is not only a winner on the field but also outside of it. Having been on a redemption tour in Paris, Biles mesmerized the entire world with her impeccable gymnastics skills. Having won 3 gold medals and one silver, Biles established herself as the true GOAT of modern-day gymnastics. However, apart from her on-court shenanigans, the Paris Olympics also bore testament to Biles’ incredible sportsmanship spirit. Now, the legendary gymnast and her BFF, Jordan Chiles, have received yet another major honor for their deed in Paris.

According to an X update from USA Gymnastics, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles were awarded the Jack Kelly Fair Play Award 2024. This was to acknowledge their outstanding act of sportsmanship and compassion towards their fellow gymnasts. The post read, “Congratulations to @Simone_Biles and @ChilesJordan on their recognition by the USOPC (@TeamUSA) with the 2024 Jack Kelly Fair Play Award – honoring their outstanding act of sportsmanship at the Paris Olympic Games!”

Having missed out on a fourth Olympic gold medal, Biles ended up with a silver in the women’s individual floor routine. While Jordan Chiles was adjudged the bronze medal winner (which she was then stripped of), Biles’ gymnastics rival Rebeca Andrade won the gold. But that hardly seemed to make a difference. In fact, during the medal ceremony, both Biles and Chiles did something that took everyone by surprise.

They knelt before the gold medal winner and bowed down as Andrade took the podium to receive her gold medal. The three gymnasts then hugged each other as they posed for the pictures. Such a gesture immediately went viral and the US athletes were lauded for their expansive mindset.