Simone Biles Receives a Strong Message From Rebeca Andrade

Simone Biles is soaking in the sights of Africa, finally taking that long-overdue honeymoon with Jonathan Owens. But even as she unwinds in the wild, the gymnastics world is buzzing. Rebeca Andrade has spoken up. The Brazilian sensation, who edged out Biles for Olympic gold in Paris, had a message for her greatest rival. And when Andrade talks, people listen. What did she say?

Biles and Andrade have been pushing each other for years and share a thrilling rivalry that first crossed on the biggest stage in 2016, when both made their Olympic debuts in Rio. That year, Biles dominated, winning her first all-around gold. But the balance of power shifted when Biles stepped away from gymnastics in 2021 to focus on her mental health. Andrade then seized the moment, claiming the all-around title at the 2022 World Championships.

And in Paris? Their battle reached new heights. Andrade delivered the routine of her life in the floor exercise final, posting a 14.166—just 0.033 points ahead of Biles, who had to settle for silver. So close, right? It was one of the tightest Olympic finishes ever, and for Andrade, it was a dream come true as she won her first individual Olympic gold.

But here’s the thing! Despite how intense their competition is, there’s nothing but love and respect between these two. “Simone is a sports icon, she has done and continues to do a lot for the sport,” Andrade said to Coluna Da Fla. “She is an athlete for whom I have great admiration. She has always shown a lot of affection, not only for me, but for all the girls as well.”

That admiration goes both ways. The two even met at an event last month at the VTEX Connect NYC 2025 event—without leotards or medals on the line. Just two elite athletes appreciating each other. Cool, right? “It was really cool, especially since we were not in the championship environment,” Andrade shared. But don’t get it twisted. It’s game on when the match starts. “Simone and I are rivals, yes, because that is part of sports,” Andrade admitted. “Each one wants to do their best, and there is a lot of respect between us.”

What makes a rivalry legendary? Is it the battle for gold? The push to outperform? Or is it something deeper? That is the case, right? But there is much more to it, one that is built on admiration, mutual growth, and a bond that transcends competition. For Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade, it’s all of the above. They challenge each other, celebrate each other, and, above all, respect each other.

Proof? Remember Paris 2024 when Andrade edged out Biles for floor gold in the floor? But what followed was more heartbreaking! Biles, who got the silver, and Jordan Biles, the bronze medalist (later medal stripped away), bowed to the Brazilian! The highlight from Paris!

Biles said in a post-match interview that it was Jordan Chiles who first suggested bowing to Andrade, and Biles instantly followed. “She’s such an excitement to watch, and then all the fans in the crowd always cheering for her, so it was just the right thing to do.” Biles didn’t hesitate to applaud her. “She’s so amazing. She’s queen.”

This respect wasn’t built overnight, and after the 2023 World Championships, where Biles claimed four golds and Andrade took home one gold and three silvers, Biles acknowledged the challenge Andrade posed. “I actually love competing with Rebeca,” she said. “She’s a phenomenal gymnast. She does push me.”

Andrade, too, knows the weight of their battles. “It was really cool knowing that I made her work, right?” she said, grinning after taking silver behind Biles in the all-around final in the Paris Olympics. Their bond extends far beyond the mat, and just when Andrade faced multiple knee injuries, it was Biles who reminded her of her greatness. “You’re too talented to quit,” Biles told her.

And when Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Games due to the twisties, Andrade was among her biggest supporters. “The best in the world showed us that you can go through hard times and come back even stronger,” she told The Washington Post. So, what’s next for this duo? More golds? More record-breaking routines? Or something else! What do you reckon?