Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, Simone Biles continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Yet, she’s the first to acknowledge the impact her Brazilian counterpart, Rebeca Andrade, has made on gymnastics — and on her own career.
The two elite athletes have not only competed at the sport’s highest level but have also formed a bond rooted in mutual respect and shared excellence. Speaking to CNN Sports at the 2025 Laureus Awards in Madrid, Biles opened up about their dynamic.
A Rivalry That Reimagines the Sport
“I feel like we’ve pushed the sport forward in difficulty so much,” Biles shared. “And I think our friendship, our camaraderie out there and our difficulty has been super exciting to see because we’re doing things that the gymnastics community never thought they’d ever see.”
Reflecting on their influence, she added, “To go out there from two different countries, two Black girls, it’s really incredible and an honor.”
Their on-mat rivalry has not only redefined competitive gymnastics but also symbolized the strength and elegance of Black excellence in global sports.
Celebrating Success at the Laureus Awards
This year at the Laureus Awards, Biles received her fourth Sportswoman of the Year title after her wonderful performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver.
Rebeca Andrade, meanwhile, captured the Comeback of the Year Award on the strength of her magnificent return to Olympic glory following devastating injuries. After winning one gold, two silvers, and a bronze in the Paris 2024 Olympics, Andrade became Brazil’s most decorated Olympian.
Getting back to the top was a tough road for Andrade. The Brazilian was hindered by three tears to her anterior cruciate ligament in 2015, 2017, and 2019, having at one point contemplated going away from gymnastics for good. But that determination not only brought her back in time but also made headlines on the biggest stage of the sport.
A Defining Moment of Respect
One of the most memorable moments of the 2024 Olympics came when Biles and her teammate Jordan Chiles bowed in admiration to Andrade on the podium following her gold medal win.
“We just love competing with Rebeca and win or lose it’s always with grace,” Biles recalled. “It just felt right in that moment to do that to Rebeca, just because she is such a legend in gymnastics, and I think this is just the beginning of her career. I think she has a couple more under her belt and she’s just incredible.”
Inspiring the Future of Women’s Sport
Biles has previously admitted that Andrade is the gymnast who “scares” her the most in competition — a compliment that underscores the Brazilian’s elite status. Their rivalry, while competitive, has only fueled mutual growth.
“Women’s sports have done amazing in the past couple of years and I think it’s just the beginning for women’s sports as well,” Biles said. “I think we’re going to start gaining more and more respect and I think that’s exactly what we need.”
What Comes Next for Biles?
While fans hope to see Biles continue her Olympic journey, the 28-year-old remains undecided about competing at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
A Vision for Life Beyond the Mat
Looking ahead, Biles is considering ways to remain involved in sports — perhaps in a leadership or ownership role.
“Oh my gosh, I think that would be so much fun just because, again, to give back, to lead, to be a mentor, it would be really fun,” she told CNN when asked about investing in a women’s sports team.
“I think that’s super exciting, to push women’s sports forward, to gain ownership, and to just show how powerful we are on and off the courts, floors, whatever that sport is.”
Whether she competes again or not, one thing is certain — Simone Biles’ legacy, like that of her rival Rebeca Andrade, is still growing.