Following each of Rebeca Andrade’s performances at the Paris Olympics, the spectacular showmanship involved a presentation of bouquets. After all, in the French capital, she went head to head with Simone Biles, arguably the best name in gymnastics ever. And her bravery made her a phenomenal comeback story to follow. Well, the 25-year-old gymnast had to go past her chronic injuries to enter the contest. That was bound to be a staggering job. But Andrade didn’t lose much sweat. Rather, she continued to add her electrifying performances. Ultimately, the Brazilian monument defeated Biles on the floor exercise final. Apart from that, she had another three medals in the French capital. Something straight out of the fairy tale! But how did she put in such an extra human effort, that too, at 25? 

Her story had to come to the fore. Three years ago, in Tokyo, Rebeca Andrade became the first Brazilian gymnast to claim an Olympic medal in the women’s category. She nearly won the all-around competition, finishing just short of first place. However, she filled up the box soon. Her victory in the vault final made her the first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic gold. That saga continued to this edition of the Olympics as well. Andrade bagged four Olympic medals in the bustling French capital, which is how she entered the top 10 list of Brazilian Olympic medalists. Apart from the fans, several didn’t keep their eyes away from this shiny walk. Take the brand GQ Brasil. 

On December 5, the brand awarded Rebeca Andrade the Woman of the Year in Brazil. The showering of praise went for a few more steps as the Instagram handle of the iconic fashion house branded her as “The most inspiring and record-setting name in cheers in Brazilian sport in 2024.” But the story didn’t end there. Rebeca Andrade had the turn to flaunt her side as well. She had to reveal her motivation to continue her fight in the face of adversity. On the memorable night, she followed the tide. On Instagram, the Olympian penned a long message, explaining her heart. 

In the post, the Brazilian legend wrote, “Many moments cross my head and it’s impossible not to thank everyone who is a part of it. I didn’t come here by myself I bring with me the one who paved the way in sport so I could get here, who showed me that I could be whatever I wanted to be.” After that, the world champion brought all those names that once helped her shape her development. 

On the list, the first name that came was Daiane dos Santos. Andrade explained her as the idol. Being the first Black gymnast to win a world championship event, Daiane has another reason to take up the highest seat in Rebeca’s mind. She is the first Brazilian to win the event in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Naturally, Andrade has been carrying her baton throughout these years. What could’ve been more inspiring than this? Well, Rebeca did have a few names who also left a piece of motivation in her life. 

Such as her coach, Xico, and Aline, Rebeca’s psychologist. Talking about Aline’s help, the Sao Paulo native mentioned, “[She] helped me to be strong, but also to understand not to be afraid of my vulnerabilities.” Just like Simone Biles, Andrade has had her dark days with mental health. She also experienced the pressure of proving herself while handling the mountainous expectations built around her. But the help has always paid her nicely. Other than that, something that has also kept her in a positive atmosphere is the help from her teammates and her family. 

In her long note on Instagram, Rebeca Andrade kept places to thank them as well. In the end, the two-time Olympic champion pointed out, “I know how much it took for me to get here and that’s why I will take care of this place with so much care and respect. To know that they look at me and see me as an inspiration to dream and continue is a huge responsibility and I will honor. I bring the Brazilians who cheered and root so hard for me.” On the auspicious night, Andrade didn’t show any shortage while paying her gratitude. Also, her words also reveal that she is all set to carry the “huge responsibility.” Meanwhile, she has support from Simone Biles as well. 

Simone Biles has a few words for Rebeca Andrade 

How good is Rebeca Andrade? Can she defeat Simone Biles? Since the Tokyo Olympics, questions like these have been flying in the bright sky of gymnastics. However, the duo has never engaged in such a debate. Rather, both have adorned each other with crowns whenever they have met. Remember the moment at the 2023 World Championships? Or what followed after Rebeca’s victory at the floor exercise final in the Paris Olympics? Each time, Simone celebrated Rebeca. After the events, she said with her trademark grin, “I don’t want to compete with Rebeca no more. She’s way too close. I’m going to hand it to her now—she can have the rest.” Meanwhile, she continued showering praise even after losing to her nemesis. 

Just after the floor final in Paris, Simone laid out, “Rebeca’s so amazing. She’s a queen. She’s such an excitement to watch.” Will these words from the most decorated gymnast motivate Andrade to continue her blazing career ahead? The Brazilian queen has a measured response to this question. In September this year, she said, “I thought this year would be the end of my career, but it looks like I have other plans.” But with the months passing by, Rebeca seems to open her cards. How? Her latest candid response came as “I hope it’s not the peak of my career yet, but it’s been an exceptional year. I think Los Angeles will be my last Olympics, but I don’t even know if I’ll make it there. Unfortunately, we can’t see the future.” Those expressions can create enthusiasm among fans for Rebeca Andrade’s further success in the realm of gymnastics. Would she be able to pull that off? What do you think?