Simone Biles is making a comeback to the Olympics, but she is not the only gymnast to watch out for. Rebeca Andrade, the Brazilian gymnast, is also returning to compete. In 2021, Andrade made history by winning Brazil’s first two women’s gymnastics Olympic medals when Biles withdrew from some events in Tokyo. The rivalry between Andrade and Biles has been ongoing for over a decade, but Andrade is now hitting her peak performance while Biles took a break for her mental health. As they both aim for gold in Paris, Andrade could pose a challenge for Biles, especially in the vault finals, all-around, and floor events.
Andrade, who recently turned 25, began her gymnastics career around the same time as Biles, with both making their Olympic debut at the Rio Games in 2016. While Biles won four gold medals, Andrade struggled to medal, finishing 11th. Additionally, Andrade faced setbacks with three ACL tears in 2015, 2017, and 2019, which affected her career, leading Brazil to miss qualifying a full team for the Tokyo Olympics.
However, Andrade’s star began to rise in Tokyo when she won silver in the all-around after Biles withdrew. She also secured a gold medal in the vault final with a complex move that few female gymnasts, including Biles, have successfully performed. This victory made Andrade the first Brazilian female gymnast to medal at the Olympics.
In preparation for Paris, Andrade has been practicing a triple-twisting Yurchenko, a move never before completed by a female gymnast in international competition. If successful, the move may be named after her in the official rule book. Despite the competition between Andrade and Biles, they both appreciate the opportunity to compete alongside each other.
As the Olympics approach, all eyes will be on the rivalry between Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles in gymnastics. Their journey from Rio to Tokyo and now to Paris showcases their determination, resilience, and commitment to their sport. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate the showdown between these two talented athletes as they vie for gold on the Olympic stage. The camaraderie and mutual respect between Andrade and Biles highlight the sportsmanship and spirit of the Olympic Games, where athletes push each other to new heights and inspire generations to come.