Rebeca Andrade Returns to Gymnastics
Rebeca Andrade is set to return to gymnastics after a nearly two-year break, competing on the vault at the Pan American Gymnastics Championships.
The 27-year-old Brazilian gymnast announced her plans to take it slow ahead of her comeback.
Andrade decided to take a break to manage the physical and mental toll of an Olympic cycle in 2024.
She stood out at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning the Olympic gold medal with a score of 57.932, just behind Simone Biles' 59.131.
Andrade's break became an extended one, but she's now back in action.
Andrade has been one of the top gymnasts in the world, winning multiple medals in the vault, including an Olympic gold in 2021 and the gold at the Pan American Games in 2023.
She also won the world vault title, beating Simone Biles, who noted that Andrade was "way too close" with a score of 56.766 to Biles' 58.399 at the 2023 worlds.
Andrade's competitive rivalry with Biles has drawn parallels with the iconic Nadia Comăneci vs. Nellie Kim rivalry.
Andrade will compete on the vault at June's Pan American Gymnastics Championships, which is a qualifier for the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships.
The top 13 all-rounders in the event will earn a position at the championships.
Andrade's return to gymnastics is highly anticipated, given her past performances and her status as the first Brazilian ever to win an Olympic gold in gymnastics.
Andrade told Olympics.com in February that she's "very happy with the way things are happening" and is "excited for what's to come".
She plans to take it slow ahead of her comeback, focusing on her physical and mental well-being.
Andrade's coach has confirmed that she will only compete on the vault at the championships.
The Pan American Gymnastics Championships will take place in June, with the top gymnasts competing for a spot at the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships.
Andrade's return to gymnastics is a significant development in the sport, given her past achievements and her potential to win more medals.