Simone Biles has no doubt climbed the ladder currently out of anyone’s reach. The champion started towards her passion as a 6-year-old to end up as the most decorated gymnast of all time. Recently, Simone created history at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships as she earned her 37th medal.
However, as Simone took the higher pedestal, she wasn’t the only one to shine. The 2023 Worlds held at Antwerp, was a welcoming ground for many rising names. With teams participating from across the world, a few names stood out; right from Brazil to France and USA. The answer down to specifics nonetheless, was an interesting one as the participating gymnasts shared their opinions.
Gymnasts choose their favorite to watch
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World Artistic Gymnastics Championships is one of the most sought-after stages in the industry.? The event that started a century and more ago still stands to welcome the best in the field every year. This year, the honor was carried by Antwerp, Belgium as the event ran from 30th September to October 8th. With historic feats achieved by the athletes during the event, the Worlds team had an interesting question for the participants.
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On the 21st of October, ‘Gymnastic’ posted a video on Threads that showcased gymnasts being interviewed. “Who’s your favorite gymnast to watch at the World Championship?”?the caption on the video read. As athletes appeared one after another, three names particularly stood out; M?lanie de Jesus dos Santos of France, Rebecca Andrade of Brazil, and the gymnastics legend, Simone Biles.
The French gymnast, Melanie played a huge role in leading the team to the top 3, receiving the appreciation. “In these couple of years, which steps she’s made, she’s so beautiful right now. She already was, but now she’s just amazing,” one of them said.? Though Melanie was a popular name, Rebecca Andrade took the slide by a margin. The number easily crossed over 10 as people shared their admiration. “I respect her so much because she’s had so many huge injuries and I love her. She’s beautiful to watch,”?Lorette Charpy said. While the Brazilian was loved, Simone Biles closely followed.
Rebecca Andrade takes on Simone Biles
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Rebecca Andrade has been a reckoning presence in gymnastics during recent times. The Brazilian gymnast is the 2022 World all-around champion and a bronze medalist on the floor. Continuing her accolades, Rebecca also won a silver at the 2020 Olympics, becoming the first-ever Brazilian gymnast to earn the title on the stage. As she returned successfully to the 2023 Worlds, Rebecca made a note not to stand behind.
The Brazilian won a silver in all-around right behind Simone with 56.766 but she led impressively on the vault to overtake the legend. With a total of 14.750, Rebecca topped the table with Vault adding another gold to her name. Nonetheless, Simone who earned 5 medals at the venue, was not short of receiving admiration. As the names of Flavia and Shilese followed Rebecca, Simone earned about 18 mentions toward the end.
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“Simone Biles just because she’s Simone Biles,” one of them said. Another ended with, “Simone. She’s such a superstar and she’s also an older gymnast. And I wish her all the best.” The 2023 Worlds’ stage introduced and shined upon many budding names. With the variety in the shared video, the platform definitely delivered what it intended.
Watch this story:?In a Reak Talk, the Most Decorated Gymnast Simone Biles Confesses Her Comeback Fear