Simone Biles’ rival Rebeca Andrade will make her return to the Olympics, but this time as an honorable flag-bearer at the Winter Games’ opening ceremony, scheduled for Feb. 6, 2026. Andrade was last in gymnastics action at the 2024 Paris Games, which was also Biles’ last time on the competitive mat.
Andrade has always been toe-to-toe with the most decorated gymnast, giving her a run for her money, especially on the floor and vault routines.
Rebeca Andrade Sets Sights on New Role at 2026 Cortina Olympics
Andrade is hailed as the most decorated Brazilian and Latin American gymnast of all time. She put her nation on the map by becoming its most successful gymnast and the first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic medal. The 26-year-old led her team to its first-ever team medal at the 2023 World Championships and Paris 2024, and also collected individual wins across events.
In Paris, she also won the all-around silver behind Biles and outscored her in the floor exercise, handing Biles her first-ever loss in the discipline at the senior level. During the medal ceremony, Biles and Jordan Chiles, who shared the podium with her, bowed to the Brazilian, a gesture that made headlines.
Amid her break from the sport, Andrade is set to embrace the honorary role of one of the 10Â flag bearers at the 2026 Winter Games. She will be the only artistic gymnast and the only athlete from South America to be a part of the event. The procession will be held at Milano’s San Siro Stadium.
Andrade was the second favorite for the vault podium at the 2023 World Championships. She trailed Biles in the all-around and appeared set for a similar outcome on vault, but the seven-time Olympic gold medalist faltered on the Yurchenko double pike, handing Andrade her third world title.
READ MORE: Simone Biles’ Rival Rebeca Andrade Reveals the Factors Influencing Her Retirement Plans
The Olympic gold medalist took a mindful break to prioritize her health after the Games and initially aimed to return in 2025. However, she extended her hiatus and even withdrew from the 2025 World Championships, a decision driven by the need to care for her body after years of strain.
She has since expressed confidence in her journey to return as a “better Rebeca” in 2026, a move she believes will benefit both herself and her team. The Brazilian said she would not put unnecessary pressure on her body and would retire when the time feels right. However, if any discipline lacks depth, she is willing to step in and compete for her nation.
