Andrade's stint of bad luck began with her first ACL injury in 2015, forcing her to miss the World Championships that year. However, she bounced back in 2016 and was pivotal in helping Brazil secure an Olympic qualification.
The year 2017 held great promise for her as a top contender for an all-around medal at the World Championships. Tragically, she suffered a second ACL injury in Montreal, forcing her to withdraw from the competition.
In 2018, despite still being on the path to recovery, she returned to competition. However, her journey faced another setback the following year when she sustained a third ACL injury to the same knee during her floor routine at the Brazilian Nationals. Despite requiring reconstructive surgeries on all three occasions, she remained determined and resolute, refusing to give up.
“I've overcome a lot of things, and each time I overcame something tough, I was more determined to come back; I wanted to win even more,” Andrade told Olympics.com in October 2019. “And I believe it won't be different.”
“The hardest part is when you have to go back to practising because you end up feeling a little pain and more. Since it was the third time this happened, I had a bit more body awareness, and I also knew a little more about the process of this rehabilitation,” she explained. “So, it wasn't so heavy, so difficult for me to go back to doing things. Now, everything is fine.”
Rebeca Andrade's Remarkable Legacy of Achievements
At the 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo, Andrade created history by winning the gold medal in the vault event and securing the silver in the individual all-around competition. She became the first female Brazilian gymnast to win a medal at the Olympic Games.
Andrade has achieved numerous impressive feats, not just at the Olympic Games but also at the World Championships. In 2021, the Brazilian star won a gold and a silver medal. The following year, in 2022, she won another gold and a bronze medal. At the 2023 World Championships, she won a gold medal, three silver medals, and a bronze medal.
The Pan American Championships also saw Andrade domination with a silver medal in 2018 and two golds in 2021.
Rebeca Andrade's Early Years and Inspiring Journey in Artistic Gymnastics
Andrade's incredible journey started in the favela just outside of São Paulo. She was raised by her mother, Rosa, who single-handedly raised eight children. Andrade's exceptional talent in gymnastics was recognized at an early age, prompting her to walk for hours to practice. Her hard work and dedication eventually led her to Rio and the Flamengo Club, where she continues to train to this day.
Andrade's successes not only transformed her own life but also allowed her to make a meaningful impact on her family, including the purchase of a new apartment. Her roots are integral to her identity, as evident in her floor routine set to 'Baile de Favela,' paying homage to her beginnings.
