Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles came up with the plan.
They had both wanted to be on the top step of the medal stand after the final event of the women’s gymnastics competition, the floor exercise.
But Biles, the favorite, had made a few mistakes, and Chiles had made a few more, so they instead became bookends to the true headliner: Rebeca Andrade of Brazil.
After Chiles accepted her bronze medal and Biles her silver, Andrade was introduced as the Olympic champion.
As she approached the podium — completing the first all-Black podium in Olympic gymnastics history — Biles and Chiles turned to Andrade, dropped to one knee and bowed.
Persons:
Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, Chiles, Rebeca Andrade, Andrade, — Biles, — JULIET MACUR
Locations:
Brazil