Simone Biles: The Greatest Gymnast and her arch rival Rebeca Andrade

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Simone Arianne Biles Owens famously known as Simone Biles is a renowned 1997-born American gymnast considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She has achieved numerous records and accolades throughout her career.

Biles has won a total of 30 World Championship medals, which is the most in gymnastics history. These include 23 gold medals, four silver, and three bronze medals.

In 2019, Biles broke the record for the most World Championship medals in gymnastics, surpassing Vitaly Scherbo’s record of 23 medals. She won her 24th and 25th medals at that event. Biles has won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award three times, in 2017, 2019, and 2020. She has also won the Comeback of the Year award once, in 2024. She holds the record for the most world championships gold medals of any female gymnast, with a total of 10 gold medals. Biles has several gymnastic moves named after her, including the Biles IIa double tucked backflip with a triple twist and the Biles, a double layout with a half twist.

Olympics Record

Rio Olympics, 2016

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Biles became the first female U.S. gymnast to win four gold medals at a single Games. She also won a bronze medal, bringing her total to five medals at that Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics, 2020

It’s worth noting that Biles withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 due to mental health concerns. However, she earned one silver and one bronze medal in Tokyo. Even then she made a triumphant comeback at the Paris Olympics, demonstrating her resilience and determination 

Paris Olympics, 2024

Simone Biles won a total of three gold medals in the vault, all round, and team events and silver in floor exercise at the Paris Olympics in 2024. One of those gold medals was in the women’s all-around competition, where she secured her sixth Olympic gold medal and solidified her status as the greatest gymnast of all time. Biles also won gold in the women’s vault final, showcasing her incredible skills with a stunning Yurchenko double pike.

Vault Finals:

In the women’s vault finals, Simone Biles once again demonstrated why she’s considered the “Greatest of All Time.” She soared through the air, executing her signature move—the Yurchenko double pike (officially named the ‘Biles II’ in the sport’s Code of Points).

Her arch rival Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who had won gold in vault at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, took home the silver. Team USA’s Jade Carey earned the bronze.

Balance Beam:

Unfortunately, Simone Biles faced a challenge on the balance beam during the event finals. She slipped off the beam, missing the Olympic medal stand. Even the greatest athletes encounter tough moments, but Biles’s legacy remains unshaken.

Overall Legacy:

Simone Biles now boasts an impressive total of 11 Olympic medals: seven golds, two silver, and two bronzes. She is the most-decorated American gymnast in history.

Biles isn’t just an athlete; she’s a symbol of resilience and excellence. Her courage and determination continue to inspire fans worldwide, and her impact extends far beyond the competition floor. Simone Biles’s journey transcends scores and medals—it’s about pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and inspiring generations to come. 

Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade

Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade are both highly accomplished gymnasts who have competed against each other in various competitions. Rebeca Andrade, a Brazilian gymnast, has been recognized as one of Simone Biles’s toughest competitors. Biles has mentioned that Andrade scares her the most out of all her competitors.

Rebeca Andrade has won a total of 6 medals inall her Olympic appearances. In Paris She has won One Gold, Two Silver and One Bronze medal. She is the most decorated gymnast of Brazil, the title Simon Biles holds for the United States.

At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Biles and Andrade had a close battle for the gold medal in the women’s gymnastics all-around final. Biles ultimately took home the gold, while Andrade won the silver medal. Andrade’s performance in the vault has been particularly impressive. At the World Championships in 2023, she won gold in the vault, surpassing Biles, who took silver. Andrade became the first athlete to surpass Biles on the vault in that competition since 2015 

Rebeca Andrade, a Brazilian gymnast, also had an impressive performance at the Paris Olympics. She won the silver medal in the women’s all-around competition, narrowly behind Biles. Andrade’s skills, particularly in the vault, have been recognized as a significant challenge to Biles. In fact, at the World Championships in 2023, Andrade won gold in the vault, surpassing Biles and becoming the first athlete to do so in that competition since 2015.

Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade’s performances at the Paris Olympics showcased their incredible talent and competitiveness. Both gymnasts demonstrated their skills and pushed each other to new heights in the sport.

Biles and Andrade have shown great respect and support for each other. Biles has expressed admiration for Andrade’s skills and the challenge she presents. She has mentioned that Andrade’s performances push her to bring out her best and elevate her own performance.

Andrade has also spoke highly of Biles, acknowledging her as the best and stating that Biles brings out the best in her as well.

Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade’s encounters in gymnastics have showcased their incredible talent and sportsmanship. Their performances have captivated audiences and solidified their positions as top gymnasts in the world.

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