Rebeca Andrade has been on a generational run. What started as a dominant showing at the Paris Olympics and winning gold has now extended well into 2025. But to make things even more special for the Brazilian, she won something very few can lay claim to. Yes, you are right, it’s the Laureus Award. But as the Brazilian is going toe-to-toe with her eternal rival and friend, Simone Biles, one question still looms over the gymnastics fans. The question? Will Andrade return at LA2028? So what does Andrade have to say to that?

After all, we have not seen her compete since the Brazilian Championships in 2024. While her run at the City of Love was one for the ages, with her and $imoney trading blows and elevating each other, there is much doubt hovering over her future. After all, it is well known to the fans that injuries have plagued Andrade’s career for a long time. But it seems just like her rival, Andrade, isn’t one to quit either.

In a recent interaction with Olympics.com, Rebeca Andrade stated that she does not want to limit her dreams. While her participation in the LA28 is not yet confirmed, Andrade will surely compete in the Worlds. Till now, the Brazilian legend has not yet hit the mats in full strength. Although having a much more relaxed approach, Andrade is very much looking forward to fulfilling her remaining dreams. But doing all of these post the Olympics feels pretty much different. 

“It’s been very different. I’ve always had to train hard all the time,” said Andrade. She further added, “Now I can talk to my coach and say, ‘I need time for myself, I need to take care of my body and my mind so that we can still have Rebeca in the future. It’s the desire to prove that I still have a bit more to show.” Explaining her current day-to-day routines, Andrade stated that most of the focus is still very much on physiotherapy. Keeping a calm approach, Andrade is not hurrying and jumping into more intense and complicated gymnastics routines. 

Having already won three World Championship gold medals, Andrade wants to prove that she is not finished yet. With the chapter set to unfold in October in Jakarta, Indonesia, the world will wait eagerly to see what Andrade has in store for us. Meanwhile, proving her unwavering commitment towards gymnastics excellence, Rebeca Andrade received one of the biggest honors of her career recently.

A year after Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade rises to Laureus’ glory with help from her psychologist

From one gymnastics icon to another, the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award has once again landed on the mat. Just a year after Simone Biles’ emotional return earned her the honor, the 2025 accolade now belongs to her friend and fierce competitor, Rebeca Andrade. The Brazilian superstar, who stormed back from three ACL injuries to shine in Paris, received the prestigious recognition in Madrid, becoming the first Brazilian to ever do so.

Andrade’s return was more than a medal-winning feat—it was a defining statement. Her gold-medal floor routine in Paris, followed by a powerful podium moment alongside Biles and Jordan Chiles, captured the world’s attention. “We are on the podium as three black women, each with their own different stories,” Rebeca later reflected, calling it “a truly historic moment.”

But beyond the glitter and glory, Andrade took time to highlight the quiet strength behind her comeback—mental resilience. Andrade said, “I would like to express my special thanks to someone who is here with us… my psychologist, Aline Wolff.” Acknowledging Wolff’s help, she said, “companionship and support during my injury period.”

At just 25, Andrade has now not only become Brazil’s most decorated Olympian but also a symbol of representation and resilience, winning global recognition for a comeback that’s rewritten gymnastics history.