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A congratulatory hug shared between American and Chinese Olympic gymnasts – Simone Biles and Guan Chenchen – has moved netizens and won much praise.

"True Olympic spirit"

The heartwarming interaction took place at the Women's Balance Beam finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Aug. 3.

The artistic gymnastics display put up by Chinese gymnasts Guan and Tang Xijing saw them emerging with a Gold and Silver medal respectively, while Biles emerged with a Bronze medal.

The @Tokyo2020 Women's #ArtisticGymnastics Balance Beam medallists 👏#Gold Guan Chenchen 🇨🇳#SIlver Tang Xijing 🇨🇳#Bronze Simone Biles 🇺🇸#Tokyo2020 #Olympics #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/Spd9H4BAaV

— FIG (@gymnastics) August 3, 2021

However, it was the heartwarming display of affection and support between the gymnasts — in spite of ongoing tensions between their home countries —that won the heart of many netizens.

We feel the same!😆This is what it means. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TzElarfHBy

— Chinese Olympic Committee (@OlympicsCN) August 4, 2021

Many netizens have since commented on the interaction, saying that the affectionate embrace between competitors displayed true Olympic spirit.

Proud of you. TRUE #Olympic spirit. pic.twitter.com/uuRfCeIwrz

— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) August 5, 2021

Biles, together with her teammate, Sunisa Lee, were also seen cheering for Guan during her winning routine on the beam.

#TeamUSA during Guan Chen Chen's gold-medal-winning beam routine. 👏pic.twitter.com/4f9pSX96si

— EMILY 🦄 (@flipflytumble) August 3, 2021

Lee has been vocal with her support for the Chinese gymnast, and even took to her Twitter to share a clip of Guan's routine on the beam and said "I love her sm (so much)".

i love her sm https://t.co/Ly5HW3xfy5

— Sunisa lee (@sunisalee_) August 3, 2021

Other stories from the Olympics:

Top image from @OlympicsCN and @SpokespersonCHN/Twitter

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