When she was 15, Rebeca Andrade experienced a moment of uncertainty in her gymnastics career. That time, her mother, Rosa Rodrigues provided her with words of comfort and supported her as she overcame the challenges. Rodrigues had seen Andrade leave the house aged 10, to pursue her dreams, but that didn’t stop her from supporting her daughter. Now, after the Brazilian bagged three medals in Paris, it was no surprise that Rodrigues was delighted with her success.

Andrade was four when she first started training as a gymnast. Her mother got her enrolled at the  Ginásio Bonifácio Cardoso in Guarulhos, after observing how she was “jumping around everything she did.” Those first steps into the world of gymnastics bore fruit in Paris as Andrade became the most decorated Brazilian gymnast with six Olympic medals to her name. Given how hard the road to success was for the 25-year-old,

In an interview uploaded on YouTube by Fatima Bernardes, on August 7, the Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade appeared with her mother Rosa, who voiced her thoughts on her daughter’s historic win. The interviewer asked Rosa whether she thought her daughter would become such a successful Olympian given the early struggles.

To this, Andrade’s mother responded, “I dreamed of her at the Olympics, right?” She continued, “And it was already really good and suddenly with your lap full of medals, it became much better.” During the conversation, Andrade revealed that she wouldn’t have been here if not for her mother and that “she’s already proud of me,” regardless of the result.

As per Andrade, her mother has been her support system. Even though she had to leave her behind for her training, Rosa ensured to be there for her. A poignant moment in Andrade’s early career highlights the role her mother played in her success.

When she was 15, Andrade was training to soon represent her country at the Rio Olympics, but doubt had crept in leading to her making mistakes. Last week, on REBECA ANDRADE NO MAIS VOCÊ – ENTREVISTA COMPLETA, the gymnast revealed how the situation unfolded for her and how her mother’s words of comfort restored her belief.

She said, “But my mom was there by my side, and for the first time, she said, ‘Mom won’t let you give up just because you’re scared to try.’ That is exactly what she did. “I was scared of not making my coach proud and not making the whole team proud, who were always there with us, sacrificing just like we did. My mom knew this, and she gave me the greatest support and came with me to the gym. And as soon as I stepped into the gym, I knew I would return because I love doing gymnastics—it’s my life,” she added.

Rosa has been cheering her daughter on every step of the way. When Andrade helped Brazil win bronze in the team all-around, Rosa narrated how proud she felt seeing her daughter perform in Paris.

“I’m prouder and more nervous, without a doubt. When you see the crowd shouting your daughter’s name and the names of the team members up close, it’s overwhelming. Everyone is cheering for them. It’s beautiful beyond words,” she told  TV Globo’s program ‘Encontro’ on July 31.

Rebeca Andrade’s rise to the top, propelled by her family

Rebeca Andrade’s journey to Olympic glory is one of perseverance, but it’s also a story of a family that has faced and overcome tremendous challenges together. Her mother had to raise eight children as she worked as a maid to make ends meet. Yet, she kept her daughter’s dream alive by enrolling her in the gym. Rosa would walk miles so that Andrade could use her bus pass to get to the gym with her brother.

During the interview with Fatima Bernardes, Andrade said, “I don’t think any of these medals here are mine alone. There are many hands here and I feel proud of all these people and for them not to give up.”

Her brother Emerson was the one to take her to and from gymnastics classes when they were younger, sacrificing his own time as a teenager to support her passion. Emerson remembers that while Rebeca had the talent, success was never guaranteed. But now, after experiencing days of poverty and struggle, the family is profoundly grateful that all the sacrifices led to something extraordinary.

Andrade moved to Curitiba at 10 after her coach invited her to train a the city’s high-class facility. A year later, she was on the move again, this time to Rio and the rest is history.

As Rebeca Andrade performed in Paris, her family’s eyes were glued to the screen, no matter that it was 5:30 a.m. Their bond, strengthened by years of adversity, makes her victory all the more special. Rosa Andrade’s happiness at her daughter’s achievement showcases the emotional connection that has carried Rebeca to the pinnacle of her sport.

Their story is a testament to the power of family, love, and unwavering support. What do you think of their incredible bond? Share your thoughts with us.