Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade gear up for the moment of truth starting Tuesday, July 30, where they face off in the women's artistic team all-around. Biles and Andrade are two of the best gymnasts the world has ever witnessed and as they descend at the Bercy Arena, they hope to impress the crowds and come out on top.
Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade have both qualified for the five-event finals. Apart from the team final, they will lock horns in the floor exercise, women’s vault, balance beam, and the artistic individual all-around.
Biles and Andrade have long been rivals, dating back to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where they were debutants. Biles was in the form of her life while Andrade was beginning her professional career.
Simone Biles won four Olympic gold medals with Andrade leaving the stage empty-handed. Simone Biles and Andrade later clashed at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games where the former claimed one silver medal and a bronze. Andrade won a gold medal and a silver.
As they prepare for the clashes, Biles has proved to be formidable and has the highest number of points compared to her arch-rival Andrade. Team USA topped the overall team standings with Simone Biles shining with a lead in the all-around standings with 59.566 points.
Rebeca Andrade garnered 57.700 points, making her one of Simone Biles’ greatest threats heading into the final. In the women’s vault, Biles and Andrade have 15.300 and 14.683 points respectively.
Brazil have never won a medal in the team category at the Olympics but at the Paris Olympic Games, they are considered USA’s greatest rivals and have proved they are up for the task. They finished fourth in the qualifying rounds and Andrade will be out to propel her team to a podium finish in the final.
Rebeca Andrade shares how Simone Biles motivated her to continue fighting after 2018 setback
Rebeca Andrade had been battling a series of injuries in 2018 and before the World Championships in Qatar, she had undergone surgery.
Andrade failed to get a medal at the event while her rival Biles, won four gold medals, a silver medal, and a bronze medal. After the meeting, Andrade recalls inspiring words Biles told her.
"It was such a kind moment, so affectionate, because there was no one else around. She told me, ‘Don’t give up. You’re talented. And you’re going to get past this.’," Andrade recalled as quoted by the Washington Post.
Rebeca Andrade has grown in the sport to become one of the most talented Brazilian gymnasts and Biles’ greatest threat. She is competing against the American at the Paris Olympics hoping to show the world what she is capable of.