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.
The Olympics have always been about reinvention, resilience, and the courage to rewrite your own story. And once again, Rebeca Andrade is proving she’s not done surprising the world.
Best known as Simone Biles’ fiercest rival on the gymnastics floor, Andrade has now stepped into an entirely unexpected spotlight — making headlines with a Winter Olympics return in a completely new role. No balance beam. No vault runway. Just a bold pivot that’s turning heads across the global sports community.
So what exactly is Rebeca Andrade doing at the Winter Olympics? And why does this move matter far beyond medals?
Let’s break it all down.
Rebeca Andrade: More Than Simone Biles’ Rival
Before diving into her Winter Olympics role, it’s important to understand why this moment is so significant.
A Rivalry That Defined a Generation
For years, Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles pushed each other to historic heights. Their rivalry wasn’t bitter — it was electric. Two generational talents. Two different styles. One shared goal: excellence.
When Biles stepped back at key moments, Andrade stepped forward. When Andrade battled injuries, she came back stronger. Together, they reshaped women’s gymnastics.
Brazil’s Greatest Gymnast Ever
Let’s be clear: Andrade is not famous because of Simone Biles. She’s famous because she’s one of the greatest gymnasts of all time — Brazil’s most decorated Olympian, a global icon, and a symbol of perseverance.
That’s why her Winter Olympics return hits differently.
The Shocking Announcement That Took Fans by Surprise
A Winter Olympics Return — But Not As an Athlete
When news broke that Rebeca Andrade was heading to the Winter Olympics, fans naturally assumed a ceremonial role or honorary appearance.
They were wrong.
Andrade is returning in a new professional capacity, stepping away from competition and into a role that blends leadership, advocacy, and athlete representation.
So What Is Her New Role?
Rebeca Andrade is serving as an Olympic ambassador and athlete mentor, working closely with younger competitors, national delegations, and Olympic committees during the Winter Games.
Think of her as:
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A bridge between athletes and officials
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A voice for mental health and injury recovery
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A mentor for young Olympians navigating pressure for the first time
It’s not flashy. It’s powerful.
Why the Winter Olympics? Why Now?
Timing Is Everything
After years of physical strain, Andrade has openly discussed listening to her body. This role allows her to stay connected to the Olympic movement without risking long-term health.
Expanding Her Olympic Legacy
Gymnastics made her famous. Leadership may define her legacy.
The Winter Olympics offer a neutral stage — free from old rivalries — where Andrade can redefine herself without comparisons.
From Competition to Contribution
A Natural Evolution for Elite Athletes
Many elite athletes struggle after stepping away from competition. Andrade is doing the opposite — leaning into purpose.
Her new role focuses on:
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Athlete well-being
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Injury prevention awareness
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Mental resilience under Olympic pressure
She’s been there. She’s lived it. And now she’s guiding others through it.
What This Means for Simone Biles and Their Shared Legacy
No Longer Rivals — Now Symbols
Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade are no longer defined by podium placements. They’re now architects of the future Olympic culture.
While Biles has reshaped conversations around mental health, Andrade is expanding that dialogue into mentorship and leadership.
Different paths. Same impact.
Breaking Barriers Beyond Gymnastics
A Summer Olympian in a Winter Arena
It’s rare — almost unheard of — for a Summer Olympic star to hold an official role at the Winter Games.
That’s what makes Andrade’s return groundbreaking.
She’s proving that:
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Olympic leadership isn’t sport-specific
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Experience transcends seasons
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Influence isn’t limited to medals
The Global Reaction: Fans, Athletes, and Officials Weigh In
Fans Love the Reinvention
Social media exploded with praise. Fans applauded Andrade for choosing longevity, impact, and authenticity over chasing more medals.
Athletes Feel Seen
Young competitors have openly shared how meaningful it is to have a mentor who understands pressure, injury, and expectation at the highest level.
Rebeca Andrade’s Message to the Next Generation
“Your Career Doesn’t End When Competition Does”
That’s the quiet message behind this move.
Andrade is showing athletes — especially women — that reinvention is not failure. It’s growth.
A New Blueprint for Olympic Greatness
Redefining What Success Looks Like
For decades, Olympic greatness was measured in gold. Andrade is helping redefine it in:
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Longevity
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Leadership
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Influence
That shift matters.
Could This Be the Start of a Long-Term Olympic Role?
All Signs Point to Yes
Insiders suggest this Winter Olympics role is just the beginning. Andrade could transition into:
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IOC leadership
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Athlete advocacy organizations
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Long-term Olympic governance
Her calm authority and lived experience make her uniquely qualified.
What Comes Next for Rebeca Andrade?
Still Writing Her Story
She hasn’t ruled out future involvement in gymnastics — coaching, mentoring, or advisory roles are all on the table.
But one thing is clear: she’s playing the long game now.
Why This Moment Matters More Than a Medal
Medals fade. Records break. But cultural change lasts.
Rebeca Andrade’s Winter Olympics return isn’t about spotlight — it’s about impact. It’s about showing the world that greatness doesn’t end when the music stops and the judges score.
Sometimes, it just changes form.
Conclusion
Rebeca Andrade’s surprising return at the Winter Olympics marks a powerful new chapter — not as Simone Biles’ rival, but as a leader in her own right. By stepping into a mentorship and ambassador role, she’s expanding what it means to be an Olympian in the modern era.
This isn’t a comeback fueled by competition. It’s a return fueled by purpose.
And in many ways, it might be her most important role yet.