We came for a micRebeca, she’s so amazing,” Biles said. “It was just the right thing to do. She’s a queen.” drop. Simone Biles gave us a fitting final bow

PARIS — In perhaps the final memory of Simone Biles on an Olympic podium, she bowed. Her motivation was not to acknowledge an adoring crowd, though she forever will be adored. For a rare time, she stood next to the highest perch, not on it, in second place waiting along with third-place finisher Jordan Chiles for Rebeca Andrade to be introduced as the gold medalist of the women’s gymnastics floor exercise.

As Andrade ascended to glory, Biles and Chiles bent forward, extended their arms and waved them up and down, a classic gesture of reverence. The Americans did it out of immense appreciation for Andrade, who has recovered from three knee reconstructions to capture six career Olympic medals, including four at the Paris Games. They also hoped to create a moment that would illustrate their pride in seeing three Black women on a gymnastics medal stand. Andrade smiled in shock, then lifted her arms high and threw her head back as Bercy Arena showered her with cheers.

“Rebeca, she’s so amazing,” Biles said. “It was just the right thing to do. She’s a queen.”