Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade’s recent Olympic gold medal in floor exercises has become a source of pride and inspiration in her hometown of Guarulhos, near São Paulo. Her victory, highlighted by runner-up Simone Biles and bronze medalist Jordan Chiles bowing to her in respect, has encouraged young gymnasts to pursue their dreams.
At the Bonifácio Cardoso gymnasium, where Andrade began training 20 years ago, Kelly Mendes reflects on her 12-year-old daughter Lara Vicente’s admiration for Andrade and Biles. Mendes emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, noting, “It’s important for her to see her idols are not perfect, teaching her resilience.”
Monica dos Anjos, a gymnastics teacher and referee who first saw Andrade’s talent at age five, was moved by Andrade’s triumph over Biles. She remarked, “Simone Biles is a giant in gymnastics and accepted Rebeca’s achievement with humility. It was exciting and a model behavior for all sports.”
Andrade’s story of perseverance, walking an hour to train and overcoming financial challenges, inspires the local community. Dos Anjos believes young gymnasts need more support to reach their potential, saying, “In the past, no one wanted to sponsor Rebeca. Now everyone does. There are many Rebecas here waiting to be discovered.”