Leaving Family During Childhood Rebecca Andrade Reveals Struggles of Growing Away From Home

“Mom would borrow money so we’d have food… All the clothes I had came from people I knew,” the gymnast star quoted to CGTN America in the past. What does it take to chase a dream when survival itself is a daily struggle? The six-time Olympic medalist Rebeca Andrade’s road to glory wasn’t just about perfecting routines. It was about overcoming the kind of hardships that could break even the strongest spirits. That unshakable belief the 25-year-old carries!

Imagine the heartbreak of tearing your ACL. That too, but three times! Most would have thrown their grips on the floor and walked away. But not Rebeca Andrade. At Tokyo 2020, she made history as Brazil’s first female gymnastics gold medalist. By Paris 2024, she was unstoppable. She didn’t just compete but dominated on the floor. For Rebeca, giving up was never an option.

Despite the hardships, Rebeca Andrade never felt alone. “We were always very close,” she shared in an interview with BBC World Service, recalling the love she shared with her siblings. “Also, my mother arriving after work, giving that affection and always being tired, right? Because there was a time when she had two jobs, so she worked a lot, but on the weekends, whenever she could be there with us, she would be tired but very present,” she added. The unwavering support from her family became Rebeca’s strength, shaping the resilience that carried her to the top of gymnastics.

Rebeca Andrade’s journey wasn’t just her own. It was a family effort. She was one of eight children raised by her mother, Rosa Rodrigues. Money was always tight, but love and sacrifice filled the gaps. Her mother, working as a maid, pushed through exhaustion to support Rebeca’s dreams, often traveling long distances for work while still ensuring her daughter had a shot at something bigger.

But when the weight of it all became too much, her siblings stepped in. They refused to let Rebeca walk to the gym alone, accompanying her every step of the way. Rebeca’s family may not have trained in gymnastics, but they understood one thing—her dream was theirs too.

Rebeca is ready for an even greater rise

Rebeca Andrade made it clear that her return to competition isn’t about pushing through at all costs. It’s about making the right choices. “Vaults and bars are totally fine for me, so I’ll do them. Beam, I’m not sure, but it’s not as demanding on my body as the floor; I’m sticking to the decision of not doing the floor for now,” she shared in an interview with Olympics.com.

But this is a bold move from the reigning Olympic champ. After all, the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships are just 8 months away. The tournament in Jakarta would’ve been another stage to shine for the Brazilian. This speaks volumes about her maturity as an athlete. Her skills have not only captured the attention of the gymnastics community but also one of the greatest of all time—Simone Biles.

Even Biles herself has acknowledged Andrade’s rise. “I’ve never had an athlete that close, so it definitely put me on my toes,” Biles admitted, recognizing the sheer talent and competitive fire that the Brazilian gymnast brings to the sport. Paris 2024 was proof of that. Rebeca didn’t just compete—she went head-to-head with the very best, pushing Biles to bring her A-game in the all-around final.

Andrade cemented herself as a true powerhouse with four Olympic medals—bronze in the team event, silver in all-around and vault, and a dazzling gold on the floor. Her floor routine at Bercy Arena wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement, a breathtaking display of artistry and precision.

Sharing the podium with Biles and Jordan Chiles was more than just a victory. It was a reflection of how far she had come. What do you think about the incredible athlete given the enormous challenges she had to go through? Let us know in the comments.