Rebeca Andrade Secures Third World Vault Title in Rotterdam

Rebeca Andrade stood sixth in the vault final order in Rotterdam, watching her competitors before deciding whether to increase her routine’s difficulty. The Brazilian gymnast ultimately did not need to adjust her strategy. She executed two vaults with precision, earning an average score of 14.466 points to claim the world title.

A Return to Form

The victory marks Andrade’s third world championship gold in the vault. The 27-year-old athlete from São Paulo returned to international competition this weekend after an 18-month hiatus. She previously took a break from the sport to focus on her physical and mental health. The final took place with U.S. gymnast Simone Biles, a primary rival, watching from the sidelines.

Historic Achievement

With this win, Andrade has accumulated ten medals across her career at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. These world titles complement her six Olympic medals, solidifying her status as the most decorated athlete in Brazil’s history.

Why it matters: This victory underscores the growing prominence of Brazilian gymnastics on the global stage. By successfully returning from a prolonged mental and physical health break to defeat world-class competition, Andrade highlights the importance of athlete well-being in sustaining long-term performance at the elite level.