Watching Simone Biles in this year’s Paris Olympics really felt like witnessing history being made in front of our own eyes. The gymnast, who had had a hard time in Tokyo because of mental health problems, knew that her doubters would be looking at any opportunity to discredit her legacy. But she didn’t give them a single chance. Instead, she soared, bringing home three gold medals and a silver—proving once again why she’s the GOAT in gymnastics. But the real show-stealer of the Olympics?
Simone’s epic, down-to-the-wire battle with Rebeca Andrade for that all-around gold! Rebeca, who snagged silver in Tokyo, came back determined to level up—and her routines were so good, even Simone was sweating a little. In fact, now Biles just confessed in her Netflix doc that she honestly thought Rebeca might swoop in and take the gold right out from under her.
Simone Biles left shook as Rebeca Andrade nearly flipped gold out of her grasp!
The nervousness of Simone Biles during the all-around competition was very apparent during the fourth episode of Netflix’s Simone Biles Rising Season 2. The gymnast understood how threatening her long-term rival Rebeca Andrade could be. She became particularly worried when it was her turn for the vault event. The Brazilian carried out a beautiful Cheng vault and nearly stuck to the floor before stepping into a salute. This elicited a huge reaction from the gymnast, who thought what she witnessed was unreal.
The Olympic gold medalist said, “Once she stuck that, I was like, ‘Oh, you gotta be kidding me.’ [Simone] Once she stuck that, I was like, ‘Oh, you gotta be kidding me.’ She’s not human. People think I’m not human. She’s not human.” Rebeca’s points tally of 15.1 in the vault was the highest up till then in the category, with Suni Lee a distant second having 13.933 points.
Then it was time for Simone Biles. Now, despite her confession of getting nervous after Rebeca’s performance, there was nothing seen from it. The gymnast performed her now-retired famous Yurchenko double pike, leaping hugely before landing quite cleanly. This gave her 15.766 points and sent her to the top of the table, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Simone Biles would ultimately take home the gold medal in the contest, edging her rival Rebeca Andrade, who settled for silver. But it’s not just the competition between her and the Brazilian, Rebeca Andrade, that makes the bond between these gymnastics rivals stand out.
The level of respect between Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade is unmatched!
When it’s all said and done, the contest between the phenoms Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade will go down as one of gymnastics’ greatest showdowns. Their campaigns at the Paris Olympics were proof of that—these two were battling it out for the top spot on nearly every podium! Yet, despite the fierce competition, they’ve kept it nothing but respectful. In an interview with CNN Esportes, Rebeca even shared how much she values this supportive camaraderie with Simone.
Andrade said, “So there were two athletes there with very high potential, along with other athletes too, of course, but as we are talking here about her and me, you know, with enormous potential who encouraged each other, who cheered for each other both they wanted to win But that didn’t stop us from wanting the best from each other, you know, I think that’s the most beautiful thing.” Simone has also talked about how she acts supportive of Rebeca Andrade. But the biggest honor?
Biles has acknowledged the Brazilian, Rebeca Andrade, as her greatest rival. This happened right after the neck-to-neck all-around battle at the Paris Olympics. In the post-competition interview, Simone said, “I don’t want to compete with Rebeca any more. I’m tired, like she’s way too close. I’ve never had an athlete that close.” This really shows the respect she has for her competitor.
Another classiest moment of their rivalry? Simone and Jordan Chiles bowed to Rebeca Andrade after she snagged the gold in the floor event, edging the Americans out. It was the ultimate symbol of RESPECT. So when these two eventually hang up their leotards, they’ll leave behind more than medals; they’ll leave a legacy of respect that’ll hold a special place in gymnastics forever.
