Rebeca Andrade's floor gold medal earned her history in Brazil - and bows from Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles
Climbing onto the top of the Olympic podium, Rebeca Andrade soaked in the glory that only a gold medallist could feel.
Then Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowed down on either side of her, offering their praise.
It was a moment that has since gone viral, but for Biles and Chiles, the silver and bronze medallists, respectively - it was just, "The right thing to do," Simone explained to reporters.
"Rebecca, she's so amazing, she's queen," Biles said. "It was an all Black podium, so that was super exciting for us. But then Jordan was like, 'Should we bow to her?' I told her absolutely. So that's why we did it."
It couldn't have been a better ending for the 25-year-old Brazilian star, who led her country to its first team artistic gymnastics medal (a bronze) last week, before claiming silver in both the individual all-around and on vault.
Monday (5 August) she closed out her Olympic Games Paris 2024 with an exclamation point. Gold on the floor exercise, marking the first time she had claimed that title on the international stage.
It also confirms another jaw-dropping stat for the Sao Paulo native: She's the most decorated Brazilian in Olympic history. In any sport.
"It was so caring from them," Andrade told reporters in Portugese. "We were talking about everything that was going on [backstage]. They are the best in the world. So a scene like that means a lot to me. It’s so grand and I feel so honoured, we are always rooting for the best for all.
She added: "As I said, we know how hard it is, the final was hard for everyone. So it was an honour."
Jordan Chiles on Rebeca Andrade: "She's an icon"
While it was all-around champion Biles who was expected to win gold on floor, Andrade sparkled inside Bercy Arena, appearing to take in the setting as a whole - and taking her time to wave to the crowd after a near flawless performance that saw her edge Biles by just .033 points.
Always energetic, the Brazilian fans screamed their approval, unfurling flags around the venue. "RE-BE-CA! RE-BE-CA!" came the chants after her score came in.
The floor gold secured a sixth medal for Andrade, allowing her to stand atop another podium as Brazil's most accomplished Olympian, surpassing sailors Robert Scheidt and Torben Grael.
"It's so special to me... you are seeing it from the outside and I went through so much as well," she said of her momentous status in Brazil now. "For me it's a honour to be in this position and show all the potential that Brazil has alongside the other girls, showing the potential that athletes from all sports have. I hope we can get more support for the young athletes and for those who are in the elite [gymnastics]."
It made the bow from Biles and Chiles even that much more of a poignant moment.
"She's an icon, a legend herself," added Chiles. "So I feel like being recognised is what everybody should do when it comes to somebody who's put in the work and dedication."
Chiles continued: "I was like, 'You know what? Why don't we just give her her flowers?' She's given a lot of us in the United States our flowers as well. So giving it back is what makes it so beautiful. So I felt like it was needed."
"I am very happy and proud about what I did," Andrade added. "We came here every day to compete and perform well. Gymnastics is not an easy sport, it requires a lot from our body and mind."
Having hinted that she might be done in the all-around, Andrade was pressed, too, on if it was her final floor routine of her career, too.
"I believe it was my last floor. yes, but the future belongs to God," she said. "I don't know if we'll see a 'new Rebeca,' probably a Rebeca that won't do all apparatus anymore.
"But she won't lose the joy, the shine or the will to keep inspiring people."