Victorious for the fourth time at the Paris Olympics in gymnastics, Simone Biles joined an all-Black podium. This moment echoes the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships podium, where the American gymnast celebrated “Black girl magic.”
“Black Girl Magic”
On this historic occasion of the first-ever all-Black podium, Biles expressed her joy: “We had an all-Black podium, and I thought it was incredible: ‘Black girl magic!'” the Texan smiled. “I hope this shows young girls that anything is possible if you decide to go for it and train hard.” This achievement was repeated this year in the French capital. During the floor final, where Americans Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles took third and second place respectively, and Brazilian Rebeca Andrade won first place, the two Americans graciously conceded to the Olympic floor champion.
The Gymnasts Rejoice
Simone warmly congratulated Rebeca Andrade, whom she has known for several years through competition. Throughout the event, the two women showed each other much support and sympathy. In fact, these two gymnasts had already shared the podium at the 2023 World Championships in the all-around competition. Simone Biles became the first Black woman to win the world all-around gymnastics title in 2013. That podium included Biles, Rebeca Andrade, and another American, Shilese Jones. “It feels like we’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Jones added. “We work so hard, and sometimes it feels like we’re in the shadows. So for this to happen means so much—not just for us but for young girls and the Black community.”
Inspiration for Young Black Girls
“I feel like sometimes little girls think, ‘I can’t do this because of the color of my skin,’ but you have to believe in yourself and know that anything is possible,” she added. The gymnasts celebrate this visibility of Black athletes, showing that with more representation, young Black girls no longer feel marginalized and realize that their dreams are achievable regardless of their skin color.
Last year, during the U.S. Championships, there was also an all-Black podium in the all-around competition with Konnor McClain, Shilese Jones, and Jordan Chiles.
Greater Diversity in Sports
Indeed, this trend toward greater visibility for Black athletes in gymnastics marks an important turning point in the sport’s history. For a long time, gymnastics was dominated by athletes from backgrounds that didn’t necessarily reflect diversity. The fact that Black gymnasts not only participate but also dominate global and national competitions sends a powerful message: talent and hard work transcend racial barriers.
Simone Biles, in particular, has played a crucial role in changing this perception. By becoming a role model for thousands of young girls worldwide, she has demonstrated that success is not reserved for any specific group. Her spectacular performances and unwavering determination have inspired a new generation of Black gymnasts to pursue their dreams without being limited by their appearance.
Solidarity Among Athletes
The mutual support among these athletes, like that between Biles and Andrade, also highlights the importance of solidarity in a fiercely competitive sport. They show that even in a competitive environment, encouragement and mutual respect can coexist. This dynamic not only inspires young gymnasts but also all those who watch these competitions, showing that excellence can be achieved without sacrificing camaraderie.
This increased visibility paves the way for greater inclusion and diversity in gymnastics and beyond. Young Black girls can now see faces that look like theirs on the world’s highest podiums, which can change their perspective on what is possible for them. It’s not just a victory for these athletes but for all young girls dreaming of following in their footsteps.
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