Brazilian Gymnast Rebeca Andrade Returns to Competition with Gold at World Challenge Cup in Varna
Rebeca Andrade, Olympic champion and one of Brazil’s most celebrated gymnasts, made a spectacular return to competition by winning gold in the vault at the 2025 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Varna, Bulgaria, held on May 30 – June 2, 2025.
After taking a brief break following the 2024 season, Andrade’s return marks a renewed push toward the 2025 World Championships in Glasgow and, ultimately, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
A Statement Performance in Vault Final
Rebeca dominated the field with two clean, high-difficulty vaults:
- Vault 1: Cheng – Difficulty: 6.0, Execution: 9.1, Final Score: 15.100
- Vault 2: Amanar – Difficulty: 5.8, Execution: 8.9, Final Score: 14.700
- Average Score: 14.900
Her explosive power and controlled landings earned standing ovations from judges and spectators. She placed ahead of Italy’s Asia D’Amato and South Korea’s Yeo Seojeong.
Top 3 – Women’s Vault Final (Varna 2025):
| Rank | Gymnast | Country | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rebeca Andrade | BRA | 14.900 |
| 2 | Asia D’Amato | ITA | 14.450 |
| 3 | Yeo Seojeong | KOR | 14.300 |
This gold medal adds to Andrade’s growing list of international titles and signals her intent to remain a podium contender on the world stage.
Return from Rest, Not Retirement
After the intense build-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she earned silver in vault and bronze in the all-around, Andrade opted for a brief rest period to focus on recovery, strength training, and mental wellness.
She resumed full training in early 2025 and strategically selected the World Challenge Cup in Varna as her return event to test new adjustments in her routines.
Coach Francisco Porath shared:
“She’s mentally sharper, physically stronger, and more strategic. This win proves she’s back, and she’s better.”
Focus on Individual Apparatus and Olympic Longevity
Andrade has shifted her competitive focus slightly in 2025. While she remains capable of all-around competition, her training has emphasized:
- Vault and floor exercise for Olympic medal contention
- Reduced load on uneven bars and balance beam to preserve physical health
- Enhanced choreography and musical interpretation for floor routines
Her goal is to remain competitive through Los Angeles 2028, making her one of the few elite gymnasts to span three Olympic cycles.
Brazilian Gymnastics on the Rise
Andrade’s return comes at a time of growth for Brazilian gymnastics. At the same event in Varna:
- Flávia Saraiva finished 4th on floor
- Lorrane Oliveira qualified for beam finals
- Caio Souza placed 2nd in the men’s all-around competition
With strong performances across apparatus and age groups, the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation (CBG) has set its sights on record qualification numbers for upcoming Worlds and Olympics.
Cultural Impact and Role Model Status
Rebeca Andrade is more than a gymnast—she is a national icon. Known for her powerful routines and infectious personality, she has used her platform to:
- Promote mental health awareness in elite sports
- Support Afro-Brazilian representation in gymnastics
- Advocate for public investment in sports infrastructure
Her signature floor routine to a remix of “Baile de Favela” became a viral sensation in 2021, and she continues to be a cultural ambassador for Brazilian excellence.
Next Steps in 2025
Following her victory in Varna, Andrade is expected to:
- Compete at the Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships in July
- Join Brazil’s core squad for the 2025 World Championships in Glasgow
- Participate in training camps and mentoring programs for junior athletes
Conclusion: The Queen Returns
Rebeca Andrade’s gold medal in Varna is more than a win—it’s a powerful statement of resilience and excellence. As she builds toward yet another Olympic journey, fans and analysts alike agree: the queen of Brazilian gymnastics is back—and she’s not done yet.