Rebeca Andrade’s second consecutive Olympic silver in the individual all-around competition may mark the end of her tenure in this event. After finishing as the runner-up to Simone Biles at the Paris 2024 Games, Andrade expressed uncertainty about continuing in the all-around category.
“I believe so,” Andrade told Brazilian media, reflecting on her future in the sport. Her second-place finish followed her previous Olympic silver medal performance behind Suni Lee in Tokyo 2021. Andrade acknowledged the physical demands of the all-around, noting the strain on her body, particularly her legs and knees. “But I said that the future belongs to God: What if something comes up in my head or my body gets better? I don’t know.”
Despite her uncertainty, Andrade wanted her final all-around performance to be memorable. “I have worked this in my head, and I wanted tonight to be a very special competition because, to me, that was my last all-around.”
Andrade had hinted at her potential retirement from the all-around following Brazil’s historic team final on July 30, where she led the squad to its first-ever Olympic medal in women’s gymnastics.
In the individual final, Andrade was initially ahead of Biles after two apparatuses. However, Biles rebounded strongly, particularly on the beam and floor, to secure her gold medal. Andrade’s silver was a testament to her skill and perseverance.
Reflecting on her competition with Biles, Andrade said, “Knowing that I gave Simone a bit of work is cool, right? She’s the best in the world, Simone is a phenomenon. We didn’t see it just here but also in many competitions that she has done. I’m so proud of being able to compete by her side.”
In other notable performances, Team USA, led by Simone Biles and Suni Lee, clinched the Olympic gold, while Andrade contributed to Brazil’s historic bronze in the team event.
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