Making her debut in 2012, it has been more than a decade since Rebeca Andrade has been competitive in the gymnastics scene. However, she is also close to her retirement, as previously, before the Paris Olympics, there were some hints of the Brazilian gymnast bidding her goodbye to the professional mat. While it’s not official whether the world will watch her in the next Games in Los Angeles, she has many stories to tell about what she experienced in the French capital.

Surely, Andrade delivered one of the most exciting performances in Paris, but all of her form was mostly challenged by her arch-rival Simone Biles. The two fought for the top step of the podium, and while the results showcased their prowess and fierce competitiveness, they had nothing but love for each other. The Brazilian gymnast also mentioned that Biles and the Olympics were the reason for her popularity boost in the sports world, and it is something that she admires but won’t let it deviate from her ambitions.

Shining bright on the sport’s biggest stage

Coming to Paris, Rebeca Andrade had nothing but gold in her sights. Back in Tokyo 2021, she had secured her career-first Olympic gold in the vault, so she had no fewer expectations from her. But she knew that there would be many challengers on the mat waiting for her, and one of them would be the most challenging, who was none other than Simone Biles.

Their rivalry goes back to their early international careers when they were climbing the steps to become what they are currently. So, following a successful trip to Paris, Andrade attended many interviews, and in a recent one with Veja, she was questioned about her facing the repercussions of becoming one of the most popular sportswomen in the 2024 season, to which she answered, stating, “With great happiness, pride, but also with responsibility. I will always take care of this place I have achieved with affection, because it is not easy to get here. I will give back to people all the affection with which they supported me.”

Proud of her achievements in gymnastics, Andrade is not taking any of her fame for granted. She has worked for it, and she deserves every single bit of popularity she has received over the course of her stellar career. However, the Brazilian gymnast isn’t just keen on gaining more popularity, but she is focused on taking on responsibility for cherishing all the prolific moments she has had until now. Furthermore, the 25-year-old has acknowledged all of her supporters who have backed her up not only in her brightest moments but also during her darkest hours. She is aware of all the sacrifices she has made to get known as one of the best gymnasts out there, but it won’t also deviate her from the goals that she is trying to achieve or make her forget her community. 

Previously, Andrade has also confessed about her rivalry with Biles, which becomes a close friendship the moment they exit the mat. However, apart from bringing fame, the American gymnast has helped her fellow athletes deal with one of the toughest battles in her life when she succumbed to an ACL injury. While Andrade had her physiologist, Aline Wolff, by her side to work on her better health, Biles was the one who provided her with the required emotional support. When the Brazilian gymnast looked at her competitor’s cheers, she was just fascinated, as she claimed the American to be the one who pushed her beyond her current limits in the sport.

The gymnastics crowd anywhere in the world just adores watching both of them on the mat, and the Paris Olympics provided many performances of the two world-class gymnasts. But which was the most talked about among the community? The floor exercise finals turned plenty of heads as they saw not only a pure display of gymnastics excellence but also pure sportsmanship.

Simone Biles and teammate bow down to Rebeca Andrade

After watching gymnastics for consecutive days, the audience in the French capital was ready for the floor exercise final. The event had a great qualifying round, which was dominated by none other than Simone Biles, who secured a total of 14.600 points. The American gymnast was followed by Rebeca Andrade in second and Jordan Chiles in third with 13.900 and 13.866 points, respectively. However, heading into the finals, the tables turned completely, as the Brazilian gymnast showcased her peak form.

Andrade secured 14.166 points in the floor exercise finals, followed by Biles in second with 14.133 and Chiles in third. The two rivals were close, and they provided pure gymnastics action to the crowd. However, during the podium celebrations, Biles and Chiles did something unexpected. The two Americans bowed down to the Brazilian gymnast, owing to the occasion of an “all-black podium.” It was a pure display of sportsmanship, and the crowd rejoiced in the bond that these gymnasts have between them.