What was one of the first things Simone Biles, three-time world all-around champion who’s already won Olympic team gold, did when she landed in Brazil for the Rio Olympics?
Get a hug from her so-called “Brazilian boyfriend,” Arthur Nory Mariano.
While the two are not actually dating, they’ve become good friends after competing at the same international meets, like the last two world championships. Biles says they have a similar attitude towards competing, and make a point to say “good luck and have fun every time we go out.”
Mariano, who goes by Arthur Nory on social media, is a 22-year-old from Sao Paolo, Brazil who’s become one of Brazil’s top all-around gymnasts. He qualified 11th into the men’s all-around final, which will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on NBCOlympics.com.
His full name is Arthur Nory Oyakawa Mariano; Oyakawa is his mother’s last name and Mariano is his father’s.
His sweet and flirty friendship with Biles includes language lessons. He taught her how to say “beijos,” which means “kisses” and is a common greating in Brazil.
Mariano is one of Biles’ biggest fans, always cheering her on.