Rebeca Andrade just keeps proving she’s unstoppable. She’s officially confirmed she’s aiming for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. And honestly, why wouldn’t she? Poverty and even injuries couldn’t stop her before—what’s a few more years of training? After winning four medals at Paris 2024, Rebeca became Brazil’s greatest Olympic medalist ever. One of her standout moments? Snagging gold in the floor exercise, beating none other than Simone Biles. Yeah, that Simone Biles. It was the kind of moment that left the gymnastics world in awe and cemented Rebeca as a true legend.

Now, here we are in December, and Rebeca’s adding another massive win to her name: she’s been named one of the BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women in the World for 2024. The BBC didn’t just shout out her medals—they highlighted her entire journey. She grew up in Sao Paulo, walking miles to practice while her single mom worked cleaning houses to fund her training. Throw in some major injuries and her dedication to prioritizing mental health, and you’ve got a story that’s as inspiring as it gets. She’s not just an athlete; she’s a role model.

And she’s not the only Brazilian on the list! Activist Lourdes Barreto and biologist Silvana Santos were also recognized, along with athletes like Allyson Felix and South Korea’s Kim Yeji. The gymnastics community is buzzing about Rebeca’s spotlight on this global stage after it was shared on Reddit. From little Rebeca walking to practice to this, a history-making champion inspiring millions.

Rebeca Andrade stuns the world and even Simone Biles!

“Love this for her!! 👏🏼 Congrats, Rebeca and all the other women who made the list!” one fan cheered, and honestly, same. Rebeca Andrade isn’t just an inspiration for Brazil; she’s winning hearts worldwide. Even Simone Biles, the GOAT of gymnastics, showed her respect during Paris 2024 in one of the most unforgettable moments of the Games. After Rebeca edged out Simone for gold in the floor exercise final, Simone and Jordan Chiles literally bowed to her on the podium.

Fans can’t stop celebrating Rebeca Andrade’s incredible journey and well-deserved recognition. One cheered, “It’s great to see her getting the recognition she deserves,” while another chimed in, “Hell yeah! She deserves it all 💓.” With one fan proudly declaring, “Congratulations, Rebeca! You are a source of pride for Brazil and Guarulhos! ✊🏼✊🏼,” and another adding, “How beautiful… Congratulations, Rebeca Andrade from Brazil… 🙌🙌❤️❤️🇧🇷🇧🇷.”

It is very important to notice that Rebeca’s story is not only about medals and podiums; it is about giving up and love. The Brazilian-born star was raised in a small house with her single mother and seven brothers and sisters; money was scarce. Rebeca was too poor to pay for a gym, so she had to learn her flip on the bunk bed bars with her siblings. Her mother was a cleaning lady; therefore, when Rebeca’s talent began to emerge, all her brothers and sisters did a fantastic job. Apparently, one of her brothers had to sell his bike with the intention of making her practice more convenient. She and her brother used to walk miles just to attend training at the training center because they could not afford a bus fare. But that’s not all!

By 25, she was struggling not only through the physicality of gymnastics, but she was fighting through the mind and heart, too, for having suffered through more than one injury. The first ACL devastation came in a strong way, forced her out of the 2015 World Championships, and left a mark. “I had trauma; I couldn’t talk about the injury. Whenever Aline brought it up, I would change the subject,” Rebeca recalled. The pain wasn’t just physical; it was the kind of mental battle that athletes know all too well.

But Rebeca isn’t one to stay down for long. She dedicated herself to rehab, willing to do whatever it takes to combat the losses and get herself back in working order. But this was a long way, and her journey to recovery was anything but easy. In 2017, she suffered another ACL injury, and then in 2019 again.

Fast forward to Paris 2024, and Rebeca did the unthinkable, beating Simone Biles, the GOAT, to take gold. But here’s the best part: there’s no bad blood. Simone’s nothing but supportive, calling Rebeca a “queen” and admitting she’s the only gymnast who’s ever scared her (in a good way!). Their bond is proof that competition doesn’t have to mean rivalry—it can mean lifting each other up. Would you have had her determination?