Rebeca Andrade Provides Candid Update on Gymnastics Career and Health
Brazilian artistic gymnastics icon Rebeca Andrade has recently shared intimate details about her professional journey during an extended hiatus from the sport. The Olympic champion is currently navigating the physical demands of an intense Olympic cycle while strategically managing her well-being. Despite stepping back from competition, Andrade remains a formidable presence on the global athletic stage, offering insights into her current mindset and future aspirations.
Honest Reflections on Physical Challenges and Winter Sports
In a revealing conversation with Olympics.com ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Andrade spoke openly about her health concerns, particularly regarding her knees. When asked which winter sport she might have pursued outside gymnastics, she enthusiastically replied, "Figure skating! I'm certain of it!" However, she humorously acknowledged her physical limitations, stating, "But my knees are kind of 'eh' (laughs). But seriously, I was born for gymnastics, for real."
Andrade expressed deep admiration for winter athletes, noting, "I think they're all so complex and so difficult, but they're all so wonderful. Especially because it's so different from what I live on my side. But it's so cool, I am super excited to be here." Her comments followed the significant honor of being selected as one of ten flag bearers for the Milano Cortina opening ceremony, a role she described as profoundly meaningful.
A Meaningful Honor and Strategic Career Pause
As Brazil's most decorated Olympian, Andrade reflected on the flag-bearing distinction, saying, "It's an honour for me. It speaks a lot about values, of what you represent to sport, not just to your country, but to other athletes in general and to all the people who admire sports and who are here, supporting and cheering." This recognition comes amid a deliberate decision to extend her competitive break through this year's World Championships, marking the first prolonged rest period of her senior career, which began in 2015.
In a video interview with Globo, Andrade emphasized the importance of this hiatus, stating, "I'm resting. It's been really important to me. It was something I've wanted for a long time, but I understood my priorities. So I ended up pushing it forward. But today is wonderful for me." Her coach, Francisco Porath Neto, fully supports this approach, explaining, "The whole team felt it wasn't the best time to take her off this cruise ship we're on, and she's doing very well."
Focus on Recovery and Long-Term Goals
Andrade has resolved to prioritize her health and performance quality, asserting, "If you ask me today, it's something that's 100 per cent resolved. I don't want to do it... I want to show up to do the best of my ability." Currently, her focus is squarely on recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring she returns to competition at peak condition. This strategic pause allows her to address the cumulative toll of elite gymnastics while planning her next steps with precision.
The extended break not only aids physical recuperation but also provides mental refreshment, essential for sustaining longevity in a demanding sport. Andrade's candid discussion highlights the often-overlooked challenges athletes face in balancing ambition with self-care, setting a precedent for holistic athletic management.
