Rebeca Rodrigues de Andrade, affectionately known as “Rebe,” has made history as Brazil’s most decorated Olympian and gymnast. Her journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by determination, resilience, and a series of groundbreaking achievements. Here are five essential things you should know about this trailblazing athlete.
1. Brazil’s Most Decorated Olympian and Gymnast
Rebeca Andrade has solidified her place as Brazil’s most decorated Olympian, with an impressive collection of six Olympic medals. Her accolades include a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics in the floor exercise, two silver medals, and a bronze. In total, she has won 25 career medals for Brazil, making her a standout figure not only in Brazilian sports but also in the global gymnastics community. Despite her achievements, Andrade is not resting on her laurels; she remains a strong contender for future championships, even as she approaches her 30s.
2. A Gymnastics Prodigy with an Early Start
Born in Guarulhos, Brazil, in 1999, Andrade’s passion for gymnastics began at the tender age of four. Her early training took place in Curitiba, Brazil, where she quickly rose through the ranks. By the age of 13, she was already making waves on the international stage, debuting at the 2012 Junior Pan American Championships. There, she won silver medals in the all-around, floor exercise, and vault events. Her stellar performance continued at the Junior South American Championships later that year, where she clinched a gold medal in the individual all-around.
3. A Three-Time Olympian Despite Major Setbacks
Rebeca Andrade’s Olympic journey has been a testament to her resilience. She has competed in three Olympic Games, starting with the Rio 2016 Olympics. Although she didn’t medal in her first appearance, her determination never wavered. Between 2015 and 2019, Andrade faced three devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, each requiring extensive recovery time. Yet, she made a triumphant return, securing six Olympic medals between the 2020 and 2024 Games.
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4. A World Medalist in All Four Gymnastics Events
Andrade’s versatility and skill are unmatched in the gymnastics world. She is one of only eleven gymnasts in history to have won a world medal in each of the four women’s gymnastics events: Vault, Floor Exercise, Balance Beam, and Uneven Bars. Her accomplishments in these events have drawn comparisons to Simone Biles, who is often hailed as the most decorated gymnast of all time. Andrade’s ability to excel across all disciplines has cemented her status as a gymnastics legend.
5. Three-Time Brazilian All-Around Champion
Andrade’s dominance extends beyond the international arena; she is also a three-time Brazilian All-Around Champion, having won the title in 2016, 2021, and 2022. Her success has inspired countless young athletes, particularly in Brazil, where gymnastics continues to grow in popularity. After her gold medal win in the floor exercise at the latest Olympics, she received high praise from her competitors, including U.S. gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, who both recognized her exceptional talent. Biles even jokingly remarked, “I don’t want to compete with Rebeca anymore. She’s way too close; it definitely brought out the best in me.”
Fluent in both Portuguese and English, Rebeca Andrade has not only become a symbol of excellence in Brazil but also a role model for aspiring gymnasts worldwide. Her legacy as the most decorated Brazilian and Latin American gymnast is likely to endure for many years to come, as she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in her sport.