Gymnastics competitor Rebeca Andrade became Brazil’s most decorated Olympian in the country’s history. The 25-year-old gymnast helped her country win its first Olympic team bronze medal, and added individual silvers in the all-around and vault final. Rebeca Andrade also took gold on floor, beating the favorite Simone Biles.
“I really wanted a gold medal. I really fought hard to do it. I wanted to hear the Brazilian national anthem played again at the Olympics. I was very proud of myself because it was not an easy Olympics for me”, said Rebeca Andrade at a press conference.
After defeating Simone Biles in the floor final, Simone Biles and her teammate Jordan Chiles bowed to Rebeca Andrade while on the podium, a moment the Brazilian cherished.
“The most important part of the competition is the support we give each other, how much we want the other to do well, to get to the top of the ladder. And that was sensational, it felt great”, she said.
Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles made up the first all-black gymnasts’ podium in Olympic history, giving them an added sense of pride.
“Being a black woman in Brazil is something I’m very proud of and I think people are proud of it too, no matter what my results are. I’ve never experienced negative attitudes in sports because of my skin color, but my brothers have gone through it and I think it hurts even more than if it had happened to me”, commented the Brazilian.
The six-time Olympic medalist credits her strong family bond with making her the gymnast and the person she is today.
“My whole family is my biggest support in life, I owe everything I am to them”, added she
Rebeca Andrade is pleased that there is more funding and support for athletes in Brazil.
“I am very happy that more people are being helped. They will be able to show their capacity in their sports and continue to bring happiness to our lives”, she concluded.
