What counts as a grand gesture? In current news, the top spot for that category is Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles’ tribute to Rebeca Andrade on the grand podium in Paris. Having that gesture framed alongside a $100 million masterpiece makes it even more grand! Doesn’t it? Well, the Musee du Louvre took notice of Biles and Chiles’ gesture and had something to say about the idea.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade stole the show by becoming Brazil’s most decorated Olympian with six medals: two gold, three silver, and one bronze. Although she edged out Simone Biles for the gold in the floor final, Biles and Jordan Chiles showed sportsmanship by bowing down with a smile in admiration and warmly congratulating Andrade with a high-five and a hug. This powerful and emotional moment was so moving that the Musee du Louvre considered it worthy of preservation alongside great works of art!
After The Olympic Games’ X handle shared an image of the iconic moment, the Musee du Louvre’s official X handle replied, “Maybe we should hang it in the Louvre..” followed by a wink emoji.
This is everything. pic.twitter.com/FrXz7wWtQg
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 5, 2024
Musee du Louvre is home to one of the most expensive paintings in the world, The Mona Lisa. Known for its enigmatic smile, the painting was insured for $100 million in 1962, equivalent to $870 million when adjusted for inflation today, though many believe its valuation goes over a billion dollars. Painted by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance, the Mona Lisa is one of the emblematic portraits in the history of art.
But why did the American gymnasts bow down to Andrade? Well, they shared the reason for their actions too.
The trio was part of the first all-Black podium in Olympic history and after Andrade’s gold medal Biles and Chiles wanted to honor the gymnast. Speaking afterwards, Biles said, “Rebeca, she’s so amazing, she’s queen. It was just the right thing to do.” The American gymnasts made a quick decision about how they should give Andrade recognition.
Jordan Chiles also added why they felt it was necessary. “Why don’t we just give her her flowers? Not only has she given Simone her flowers, but 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.”
Owens, who had been in Paris to cheer his beloved wife, also posted a snapshot of himself proudly wearing a shirt featuring his wife’s name and face while donning her gold medal. His Instagram overflowed with admiration as he congratulated Biles, saying, “Witnessing history every time you step on the mat Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!!”
https://twitter.com/jnsanchez/status/1819007406875050229
Biles not only won medals at the Olympics but her conduct throughout the event has been praised. Now even the Musee du Louvre has deemed Biles’ actions worthy of a place among its famed portraits, will it become a reality in the future?
