Rebeca Andrade Returns to Competition at 2026 Pan-American Gymnastics Championships

Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade is making her competitive comeback at the 2026 Pan-American Gymnastics Championships, held in Rio de Janeiro from June 17 to 21. This marks her first major competition since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she achieved notable success competing alongside American Simone Biles. At the Pan-American event, the 27-year-old will compete in the vault apparatus.

Andrade has established herself as one of Brazil's most decorated gymnasts. Her Olympic career began in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and has yielded six Olympic medals, including two gold medals. She made history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first Brazilian gymnast to win an Olympic medal in the all-around competition, and later won her country's first-ever gold in the sport. At Paris 2024, she secured gold in floor exercise and silver in both vault and all-around. Beyond individual achievements, Andrade contributed to Brazil's team medal success, helping secure silver at the 2023 World Championships and bronze at the 2024 Olympics—both historic firsts for Brazilian women's gymnastics teams.

Andrade has accumulated nine medals at World Championships, including three golds, with her 2022 all-around title making her the first Latin American woman to win that event. Speaking to media in May about her return, she stated: "I still have a little more to show." She emphasized the broader impact of success on the sport in Brazil, telling World Gymnastics: "A lot of things have changed for Brazil today. We have many more people who want to practice the sport. It's not just because of me, but because of the entire female team. We set out to reach our goals as a family."

Andrade's Pan-American appearance is the first stage of an ambitious competitive calendar. She is scheduled to compete at the 2026 World Championships in October in Rotterdam, Netherlands, followed by the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.