LeBron James and Simone Biles (Twitter/USA Today)
Simone Biles earned another gold medal during the Olympic Games today, making her the first female American to win four gymnastics gold medals in a single Olympics. The women’s floor exercise final was Bile’s last event in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
NBC reports Biles’ fellow American Aly Raisman also placed in the event, earning the silver medal. The gold medalist scored 15.966 points besting Raisman’s 15.500 tally by 0.466 points. Britain’s Amy Tinkler rounded out the top three with 14.933 points.
The 4’9 gymnast earned bronze in yesterday’s balance beam final after making an uncharacteristic mistake by touching the beam. She earned 14.733 points behind friend and Team USA gymnast Laurie Hernandez, who scored 15.333. Sanne Wevers of the Netherlands earned gold with 15.466 points.
Many have taken notice of Biles’ Olympic feats, including Cleveland Cavaliers player LeBron James.
The 6’8 baller congratulated Biles and Simone Manuel on their gold medal wins last week. The gymnast placed first in the women’s all-around final while Manuel made history in the women’s 100-meter freestyle.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJAoEyIBMmA/?taken-by=kingjames
“Congrats young Queens!! Truly inspiring for so many especially young black girls. My daughter was watching with me,” James wrote in part on Instagram. He also posted the image on Facebook.
He also posted the image on Facebook.
While the post was applauded by many, others expressed their irritation at the shout out. The backlash from white fans spewed all over the NBA baller’s Facebook post.
Chasen Lewis wondered why the Black athletes’ wins became a “race thing.”
Albin Bondesson thought James should cheer for America instead of rooting specifically for Black competitors.
Robert Filla pointed out the many white Olympians competing in the Games.
Lacie Murdock wanted to do away with labels and have the women just be Americans instead of Black.
Axel Marino took a patriotic colorblind approach.
But several Black commentators fought back for James’ praise.
Dimen Anthony pointed out years of oppression as the reason why the Cavs forward’s compliment is important.
Shy Foster also explained history was a reason for Manuel’s and Biles’ importance.
And Jutee Joe singled out the long history of racist policies in America that have marginalized Black people.
