Olympic gold medalist Rebeca Andrade says viral podium moment with Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles still ‘gives me goosebumps’

CNN - Apr 24th, 2025

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the gymnastics floor final saw a historic and inspiring moment as Rebeca Andrade of Brazil stood atop the podium alongside US gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, marking the first all-Black podium in Olympic gymnastics history. Despite the intense competition, where Andrade narrowly edged out Biles by just 0.033 points, the moment was celebrated worldwide for its display of sportsmanship and representation. This achievement was particularly poignant for Andrade, who had overcome three ACL tears, a testament to her resilience and determination. Andrade's victory was recognized at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards, where she received the Comeback of the Year award, further highlighting her remarkable journey.

Andrade's story is one of perseverance and inspiration, underscoring the significant barriers she overcame to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her family's support and her own unwavering resolve played crucial roles in her return to competitive gymnastics after each injury. The achievement has not only elevated Andrade's status as Brazil's most decorated Olympian but has also fueled anticipation for future Olympic showdowns, potentially at Los Angeles 2028. While Biles remains uncertain about competing in 2028 due to physical concerns, Andrade expresses a strong desire to continue her Olympic journey, embodying a dream to inspire future generations of athletes.

Jordan Chiles Laureus World Sports Awards Simone Biles Rebeca Andrade Paris 2024 Olympics Gymnastics Comeback Of The Year

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RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the historic achievements of Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles, and Jordan Chiles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It provides a balanced and engaging narrative that celebrates diversity and perseverance in sports. The use of credible sources and clear language enhances its accuracy and readability, while the focus on personal stories adds depth and public interest. However, the article could benefit from a wider range of sources and more direct quotes from all athletes involved to ensure a comprehensive representation of perspectives. Overall, the article succeeds in informing and inspiring readers, while also contributing to discussions about diversity and representation in athletics.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the historic achievement of Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles, and Jordan Chiles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It correctly identifies Andrade as the gold medalist in the floor event and the first all-Black gymnastics podium in Olympic history. Furthermore, it accurately mentions Andrade's struggles with ACL injuries and her subsequent victories, supported by credible sources such as CNN Sports and the Laureus World Sports Awards. The article's claims about Andrade's career challenges and her recognition at the Laureus Awards are consistent with verified information, demonstrating a high level of factual accuracy. However, minor details such as the exact nature of Biles' statements regarding future competitions could benefit from direct quotations or additional context from primary sources.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by highlighting the achievements and challenges faced by Rebeca Andrade, while also acknowledging the sportsmanship of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles. It presents multiple perspectives, including Andrade's personal journey and Biles' considerations about her future in gymnastics. However, the focus is predominantly on Andrade's story, which, although justified given the context of her award, could be seen as slightly overshadowing the contributions of Biles and Chiles. The article could benefit from more direct input or quotes from Biles and Chiles to provide a fuller picture of the podium moment and its significance.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language, making it accessible to a broad audience. The narrative flows logically from Andrade's achievements to her personal challenges and future aspirations. The tone is neutral and respectful, effectively conveying the significance of the athletes' accomplishments without sensationalism. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more direct quotes from all athletes involved, ensuring that their voices are clearly represented.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as CNN Sports and references the Laureus World Sports Awards, which adds to its reliability. These sources are reputable in the sports journalism field, enhancing the article's credibility. However, the article would benefit from a wider variety of sources, including direct quotes from the athletes involved, to further substantiate its claims. The reliance on a single primary source might limit the depth of perspective, although the information provided is accurate and well-supported.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing quotes and information to Rebeca Andrade and other sources. It provides context for Andrade's achievements and challenges, which helps readers understand the basis for the claims. However, the methodology behind the selection of quotes and the decision to focus on Andrade's story over others is not explicitly explained. More insight into why certain aspects of the story were highlighted could enhance transparency.