Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles are two of the modern day greats in the gymnastics fraternity. Throughout the Paris Olympics, the duo has been constantly fighting for the top spot to secure ultimate glory in Paris. While the Brazilian was outclassed on most occasions by Biles, Andrade finally got her maiden gold medal at Paris in the individual women’s floor final. And while the duo has been arch rivals inside the gymnasium, the mutual respect between the two has been phenomenal to watch for.
Both Biles and Andrade were spotted supporting and cheering for each other. Even when any one of them failed to win a particular event, they applauded the other one’s success with great enthusiasm. Reflecting on their iconic rivalry, Rebeca Andrade poured her heart out to CNN Esportes. Looking elated while discussing Simone Biles, Andrade stated, “Simone, we know she is from another world, she is extremely talented and being able to compete alongside her is something which means a lot not only to me but represents a lot to many people.”
Andrade further explored the fact that despite having a burning desire to outshine each other, the sense of appreciating a true gymnastics masterclass was at the forefront of their rivalry. Andrade emphasized, “So there were two athletes there with very high potential, along with other athletes too, of course, but as we are talking here about her and me, you know, with enormous potential who encouraged each other, who cheered for each other both they wanted to win But that didn’t stop us from wanting the best from each other, you know, I think that’s the most beautiful thing.“
Andrade also went on to explain how much it means to have Simone Biles compete at big occasions. She stated that Biles not only represents a lot for the sport but also for the world as a whole. Hinting at her incredible rise to success after her Tokyo debacle, Andrade mentioned that it was an honor sharing the same platform with the US gymnastics queen. And well, it is not only Rebeca Andrade who is appreciative of Biles. After a closely fought Olympics, Simone Biles is also praised for her Brazilian counterpart.
Simone Biles heaps praises for Rebeca Andrade
Simone Biles never felt so much pressure inside a gymnastics event. But come Paris 2024, she almost lost her all-around gold thanks to some scintillating show from Rebeca Andrade. Giving Andrade her due flowers, Biles mentioned, “I don’t want to compete with Rebeca no more. I’m tired, like she’s way too close. I’ve never had an athlete that close.” The 7x Olympic gold medalist also appreciated how Andrade had battled her ACL injury and has still managed to come back and achieve so much in the gymnastics realm.
Biles stated that when she witnesses someone like Rebeca Andrade achieving success, her inner self gets excited and filled with joy due to the realization of the hard work they put in. The US gymnastics queen also showed a great gesture when she and Jordan Chiles decided to bow down to Rebeca Andrade when she emerged victorious in the women’s individual floor final. Thus, putting up a great advertisement of sportsman spirit, both Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles are shining examples of greatness in gymnastics.
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