Breaking news…Simone Biles Says She and Jordan Chiles Bowed Down to Rebeca Andrade to ‘Show Good Sportsmanship’ (Exclusive)

“It was representation,” Biles tells PEOPLE of their all-Black podium for the gymnastics floor final

For Simone Biles, there was a simple reason why she and Jordan Chiles decided to bow down to rival (and friend) Rebeca Andrade after she beat them for gold: “Sportsmanship.”

It was a move that was largely praised as women supporting women, other than a few critics. And one that was important to Biles.

“[We were] showing good sportsmanship [and] having fun out there because it was the last competition,” the superstar gymnast, 27, tells PEOPLE.

The moment capped off a medal-heavy and record-breaking Olympics for Biles, who earned three gold and one silver medal during the 2024 Games. Her sole silver came against Andrade in the floor final, and it was there that Biles and Chiles, 23, bowed to the six-time Olympic medalist, 25.

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That podium also held a bigger significance — it marked the first time, ever, that an Olympics podium was entirely made up of Black gymnasts, a moment that certainly was not lost on Biles.

“It was representation,” she says. “For all the little girls and boys that look like us, for them to believe in themselves that they can do it too. I was one day in their shoes when I saw Gabby [Douglas] win and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, if she can do it, I can do it.’ ”

Biles has been setting an example for all the gymnasts, athletes and people that look up to her throughout the Games, not just for her emphasis on representation, but also for how she has highlighted the importance of good mental health.

Reflecting on how she feels now, after the Paris Games, compared to after Tokyo in 2021, Biles says she’s “at a better spot, mentally and physically.”

“I’m just happy with overall what I’ve been able to accomplish and what I’ve done, because putting in that therapy and that mental work meant everything to me, and it was much needed,” she says.

And now, after over a week and a half of competition, Biles, who graces PEOPLE’s cover this week, has one thing on her mind: To “relax.”

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