Rebeca Andrade, the impeccable player victoriously climbs the ladder for her destination, an experience that only a gold medallist can feel. One of 8 children raised by a single mother, Rebeca Andrade grew up in a favela on the outskirts of Guarulhos, São Paulo one of many overcrowded slums with houses resembling shacks near Brazil’s city centres.
The moment of winning for profounding excellence by Rebeca was followed by Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles who bowed down on either side of her, offering their praise. It was a moment that has since gone viral all over the digital platforms but for both of them, the silver and bronze medallists, respectively, it was just, "The right thing to do," Simone explained to reporters.
Rebeca wins hearts worldwide, Shines amongst Brazilians
Sharing her experience on the marvellous accomplishment, Biles says, "Rebecca, she's so amazing, she's queen. It was an all Black podium, so that was super exciting for us. But then Jordan was like, 'Should we bow to her?' I told her. So that's why we did it."
It couldn't have been a better closure to the Olympics, for the 25-year-old Brazilian star, who led her country to its first team artistic gymnastics medal (a bronze) last week, before claiming silver in both the individual all-around and on vault.
On August 5, Monday she closed out her Olympic Games Paris 2024 with an exclamation point. Gold on the floor exercised, marking the first time for the shining player as she had claimed that title on the international stage. It also confirms another jaw-dropping stat for the Sao Paulo native: ahe's the most decorated Brazilian in Olympic history amongst all the sports there since.
Always energetic, the Brazilian fans screamed their approval, unfurling flags around the venue. "RE-BE-CA! RE-BE-CA!" came the chants after her score came in.
"It was so caring from them," Andrade told reporters in Portuguese. "We were talking about everything that was going on backstage. They are the best in the world. So a scene like that means a lot to me. It’s so grand and I feel extremely honoured, we are always rooting for the best for all", she added. Commenting on the same, she added, "As I said, we know how hard it is, the final was hard for everyone. So it was an honour."
While it was all-around champion Biles who was expected to win gold on the floor, Andrade sparkled inside Bercy Arena, appearing to take in the setting as a whole, and taking her time to wave to the crowd after a near flawless performance that saw her edge Biles by just .033 points.
The floor gold secured a sixth medal for Andrade, allowing her to stand atop another podium as Brazil's most accomplished Olympian, surpassing sailors Robert Scheidt and Torben Grael.
"For me it's an honour to be in this position and show all the potential that Brazil has alongside the other girls, showing the potential that athletes from all sports have. I hope we can get more support for the young athletes and for those who are in the elite gymnastics sport", Andrade said with her heart heavy in pride.
It made the bow from Biles and Chiles even that much more of a poignant moment."She's an icon, a legend herself," added Chiles. "So I feel like being recognized is what everybody should do when it comes to somebody who's put in the work and dedication."
In the end, surpassing mixed and wholesome emotions, Rebeca said, "I believe it was my last floor. Yes, but the future belongs to God," she said. "I don't know if we'll see a 'new Rebeca,' probably a Rebeca that won't do all apparatus anymore. But she won't lose the joy, the shine, or the will to keep inspiring people", she added.
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