In the world of Artistic Gymnastics, where a single misstep can shatter dreams, Rebeca Andrade’s story is one of relentless resilience. Imagine tearing your ACL not once, not twice, but three times—in 2015, 2017, and again in 2018. For many, such a series of devastating injuries would spell the end of a career. But for Andrade, each setback was fuel for an even stronger comeback. Her journey reached its pinnacle at the Paris Olympics, where she delivered a performance for the ages, defying the odds and outshining even the legendary Simone Biles.

This wasn’t just about winning a gold medal; it was about proving to herself and the world that nothing could break her spirit. Reflecting on her incredible journey, Andrade told Olympics.com, “I’ve overcome a lot of things. Each time I overcame something tough, I was more determined to return; I wanted to win even more.” Her victory in Paris wasn’t just a personal triumph—it also made her the top earner in prize money from medals, a fitting reward for an athlete whose perseverance knows no bounds.

Not only on the floor, Rebeca Andrade beat Simone Biles at earnings too

A recent Sambafoot report from August 6, 2024, highlighted that reigning World and Olympic floor champion Rebeca Andrade has surpassed American gymnast Simone Biles in earnings, thanks to her stellar performances at the Paris Olympics. Andrade dazzled with a floor exercise score of 14.166, outshining both Biles and Jordan Chiles. Reflecting on her achievement, Andrade expressed her joy and pride, telling Olympics.com, “I am very happy and proud about what I did.” She emphasized how seizing this opportunity allowed her to earn a significant cash prize, a reward for her hard work and perseverance.

The Brazilian Olympic Committee awarded 350,000 Brazil reais per gold medal, which converts to approximately 62,000 U.S. dollars. In contrast, the U.S. Olympic Committee paid 37,500 dollars for each gold medal. When converting and comparing these amounts, Globo Esporte pointed out that Andrade earned more overall than Biles. With one gold, two silvers, and one bronze, Andrade’s total earnings came to 146,080 U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, Biles, who won three golds and one silver, earned a total of 135,000 U.S. dollars. Here’s a breakdown of their earnings per medal:

While these figures are indeed impressive, it’s essential to approach this comparison with a sense of perspective. Both Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade are trailblazers in their respective countries, each representing the pinnacle of gymnastics in vastly different environments. Just as Simone is hailed as the GOAT in America, Rebeca holds a similar status in Brazil. Comparing their financial rewards should not be seen as diminishing either’s achievements but rather as a reflection of the different systems in place in their countries.

Rebeca’s journey, marked by overcoming three ACL injuries in four years, is a testament to her incredible resilience. During her final floor performance in Paris, she admitted she couldn’t see clearly as she hurtled toward the vault, yet she persevered and triumphed. Her gratitude extended first to her psychiatrist, acknowledging the mental and emotional support that played a crucial role in her success. As she shared on the YouTube channel “REBECA ANDRADE NO MAIS VOCÊ – ENTREVISTA COMPLETA,” she said, “When I won, the first thing I did was call up my psychologist, and she played a huge role in my win.”

Ultimately, the financial rewards earned by these extraordinary athletes are just one part of their stories. Their achievements on the world stage inspire countless others, and their successes are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the immense pride they bring to their respective countries. It’s not about who fares better in terms of rewards but about celebrating the incredible journeys of two of the greatest gymnasts of our time.

The rivalry between Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade on the mat

The rivalry between Simone Biles, the 11-time Olympic medalist, and Brazil’s gymnastics star Rebeca Andrade is one that has captivated fans and pushed both athletes to new heights. Over the years, they’ve faced off numerous times, but it’s Andrade’s recent performances that have truly caught Biles’ attention. In a candid admission, Biles remarked, “She’s way too close. I’ve never had an athlete that close,” acknowledging that Andrade is in peak form and a serious contender.

Back in 2023, Andrade fell just short of gold at the World Championships in Belgium, while Biles, on her “Redemption” journey, reclaimed the top spot. But the tables turned at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Andrade edged out Biles by a razor-thin margin of just 0.033 points in the floor routine, dashing Biles’ hopes for another Olympic gold. Andrade’s triumph was a testament to her skill and precision, leaving Biles to reflect on what might have been. In a YouTube interview with Rafael Godoi LIVES, Andrade discussed the narrow victory, saying, “It affects significantly, right? Yes, you can lose from 0.10 to 0.30, which, for a floor routine and any other apparatus final, is a lot, and it’s what took her out of first place, right? Yes, she knew then that she had lost first place. I think she really felt it, right?” Despite the disappointment, Biles showed true sportsmanship, congratulating Andrade and acknowledging her victory.

What makes their rivalry so compelling is not just their fierce competition on the mat, but the genuine respect and camaraderie they share off it. They push each other to be better, a bond that’s evident in their interactions. In a conversation with AFP in May, Andrade expressed her admiration for Biles, saying, “It’s about doing my best, and I hope [Biles] does, too, that she does her best because it’s an honor to be able to compete alongside her.” Biles, in turn, has often praised Andrade, calling her a “phenomenal gymnast” and even playfully placing an imaginary crown on Andrade’s head after one of their encounters.

Their mutual respect and sportsmanship set a powerful example for athletes everywhere, showing that even the fiercest rivals can inspire one another and elevate their sport. Biles and Andrade’s relationship goes beyond competition; it’s a testament to the spirit of gymnastics and the enduring bond that can form between athletes at the top of their game.