The clash of the mightiest gymnastic titans is now just 10 days away! Among some of the world’s finest, arch-rivals Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade are also set to lock horns at the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. Are the stakes high? Well, some might say more than ever. For Biles, her Tokyo stint could not see its completion, for she bowed out from the league because of the ‘twisties’. But having turned that page long back, she will now be looking to make her 3rd Olympic appearance and will make it count as well.

As for Andrade, the Brazilian hopes are certainly pinned on her. More so, she will also be looking to defend her Tokyo ranks. But what is her big strategy for that? Interestingly, it’s a rather simple mantra. Let’s have a look. Is it something that might throw Simone Biles off her game? Its not always you see a phenom rise back like a phoenix from the ashes even after a third ACL injury, so what drives her, apart from pure champion spirit?

‘Self-concentration’ is Biles’ rival Andrade’s new motto

Appearing in CGTN Sports Scene’s YouTube video, Andrade unveiled her Paris Olympics plans. And a big part of that includes staying away from the ‘rivalry’ hubbub. Yes! The video description talks about Andrade’s approach this time, which is to forget all her rivals, Simone Biles included and rather focus on herself. She remarked, “I don’t think at all about the others. If I am focused on what they are doing, I am not focused on me.” 

Citing how this practice is now integral to her being, she continued, “I had so many surgeries. I cannot afford to not be focused. Even if it is me listening to music, walking on the street, I am focused on that when I am doing it.” Andrade is choosing to concentrate, instead of weighing herself down by keeping tabs on what her competitors are doing. Especially after having had a painful injury-ridden past. Her ACL tears in 2015, 2017, and 2019 indeed have devoid her of valuable occasions to shine, including the World Championships in these years. And after all that suffering, she now cannot risk faltering from her target again.

But Rebeca doesn’t mention anything about Simone Biles specifically, as she has been silent on questions related to the American gymnast for months. Nonetheless, their upcoming clash remains a highly anticipated one. Lately, a video comparing their individual vault routines surfaced, the hype of which sent the fans into a frenzy. Some hailed the G.O.A.T’s supremacy, while others called it a ‘show for the ages.’ But one thing was certain. Fans are in awe of their skills and can’t wait to see who clinches the throne.

However, this will hardly be the first time the two are going head-on. At the previous Olympic Games, the Brazilian added an all-around silver to her tally and reigned supreme on the vault, with her Cheng moves. But fans missed out on watching these two veterans vie in both these finals, as Simone Biles had already withdrawn from the meet by then. Yet, there have been other competitions that have kept the rivalry fire burning.

Simone Biles vs Rebeca Andrade: the epic rivalry

When ardent fans discuss this duo, their 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships meet hardly ever misses out in the conversation. In the All-Around finals, the two went up against each other, each hoping to uproot the other’s winning plans. However, Simone Biles’ gymnastic magic had done its charm on the mats. And she was able to get the better of the Brazilian in the finals. But the audience in Antwerp was in for another showdown. Not done yet, Andrade redeemed herself in the individual vault, outperforming Biles, who sat down while performing the Biles II on the vault. Thus, as Andrade won the vault gold, she put her name as the undisputed queen of this event category.

Much before this, at the Rio Olympics, when Andrade was competing at home, Biles had emerged the unsurpassable victor. With her all-around gold medal, she did way better than the Brazilian, who ended 11th on the tally. But needless to say, a lot has changed since then. Today, both have a strong set of skills when it comes to the vault. Simone has the Yurchenko Double Pike literally named after her, being her signature move. While Andrade is now honing her proficiency in the Triple Twisting Yurchenko. However, before she executes her plans and eyes the Olympic glory in Paris, Andrade will have to surmount the challenge that Biles puts up. The question is: Can Andrade’s unfazed strategy work for her? Let us know what you think.