Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, a true superstar in her sport, made a big announcement on Wednesday. She is stepping away from floor competitions for good. Andrade is an Olympic champion on the floor exercise, but she says health is her top priority. This decision looks ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Speaking at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Andrade explained her choice. “I will no longer do floor exercises,” she stated. “Floor is what causes the most impact on my body.” She pointed out a crucial detail about her career. “I am a 26-year-old athlete with five knee operations.” Understanding your body’s limits is key, she noted. “When we know our limits, it’s vital to respect them.” Andrade also gave a nod to her fans. “I know you love when I do floor routines,” she said, “but I can still show a lot on other apparatuses.”
The Brazilian star wants to be smart about her future. She made it clear she is “taking better care of her physical and mental health.” This focus is all about the years leading up to the next Olympic Games. It’s a strategic move to ensure she can compete at her best in Los Angeles.
Andrade’s career has seen its share of tough times. She battled several knee injuries between 2015 and 2019. These setbacks threatened her path before she became one of the world’s top gymnasts. Despite these challenges, she reached incredible heights. She even managed to surprise American legend Simone Biles at the Paris 2024 Games.
The gymnast from São Paulo first competed in the Olympics at the Rio 2016 Games. She continued her medal haul at Tokyo 2020. There, she won gold on the vault and silver in the individual all-around. Paris 2024 was another shining moment for her. She earned the gold medal on the floor exercise. She also claimed silver in the vault and, once again, in the individual all-around competition. On top of that, she helped her team win a bronze medal.
Now, Andrade is looking ahead to her next major competition. She is currently preparing for the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. These championships are set to take place in Jakarta. They will run from October 19 to 25.