Michelle Obama stood by American gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles after they received criticism from NFL player Marlon Humphrey for bowing to Brazil's Rebeca Andrade at the recent Olympics.

Biles and Chiles were commended for their sportsmanship, whereas Humphrey's negative comments sparked backlash on social media, leading Mrs. Obama to voice her opinion on the unfortunate controversy, as the Daily Mail reports.

Olympic Gesture Sparks Debate

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles displayed a gesture of respect when they bowed to Brazil's Rebeca Andrade after the floor exercise final on Monday. Biles took second place, while Chiles earned third.

The athletes' actions quickly drew praise from viewers worldwide.

However, not everyone viewed the gesture positively. Marlon Humphrey, a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, voiced his disdain on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling the bow "disgusting." His comment ignited a firestorm of responses.

Michelle Obama Praises Gymnasts' Actions

In response to the controversy, Michelle Obama praised Biles and Chiles for their act of sportsmanship.

She took to social media to express her admiration, stating, "I'm still not over this beautiful moment of sisterhood and sportsmanship! You can just feel the love shining through these ladies. Congrats Rebeca, Jordan, and Simone!"

The former first lady's comments received widespread support as many appreciated her recognition of the athletes' gesture.

Fans Defend Biles, Chiles

Humphrey's critique did not go unnoticed by the broader social media community. Users quickly came to Biles and Chiles' defense, emphasizing Andrade's remarkable journey to recovery. One user highlighted the Brazilian gymnast's history of enduring and overcoming three ACL injuries, arguing that such respect was far from "disgusting."

Other comments echoed this sentiment: "God forbid athletes show respect to a fellow athlete who has suffered a torn ACL multiple times," one user sarcastically remarked. Another user urged Humphrey to achieve something significant before criticizing, stating, "Get to a final and win something. Then you can talk."

These responses underscored the shared respect and admiration for Andrade's resilience and talent.

Marlon Humphrey Voices Regret

The backlash Humphrey faced for his comments was swift and intense. He soon acknowledged the criticism he was receiving, especially from Brazilian fans. In a subsequent post on X, he noted, "I'm lowkey getting cooked right now. I think I'm getting cussed out in Brazilian on Instagram lol."

Despite his initial reaction, Humphrey seemed to take the criticism in stride, reflecting on the diverse perspectives within the sports community.

Simone Biles Shines At 2024 Olympics

Beyond the debate, Simone Biles continued to make headlines for her achievements at the 2024 Olympics. She secured four medals, including three golds, adding to her impressive collection. Biles now holds a total of 11 Olympic medals.

Alongside her individual triumphs, Biles and Chiles contributed significantly to their team's success, winning gold in the women's artistic team all-around final.

A Gesture of Sportsmanship, Respect

The moment that saw Biles and Chiles bowing to Andrade will be remembered not just for the athletes' skills but for the sportsmanship displayed. With the spotlight on figures like Biles, Chiles, and Andrade, the world of sports continues to emphasize competition, unity, and mutual respect.

The incident sparked discussions on social media, with users praising the values embodied by the athletes. "It was truly beautiful. This is why we love sports n reason why the world organizes the Olympics. Rebaca, Simone n Jordan you three are true Queens," one user commented. Another added, "Competition, unity and respect. Olympics!"

The ensuing dialogue exemplified how athletic events can bring people together, transcending borders and cultures.