Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, 24, became the first woman athlete in the country to win the Laureus Award, the Oscar do Esporte, created 25 years ago. This Monday (21), the Paulista de Guraulhos was laureated in the “Return of the Year” category, disputed by five other athletes nominated. The gala ceremony took place at Cibeles Palace in Madrid (Spain). Before shining at Paris Games, when he won four Olympic medals (gold, two silver and one bronze), Rebeca Andrade was synonymous with overcoming the spotlight: she underwent three surgeries to treat injuries in the previous ligament, which almost made her give up her career.
“I feel very happy and honored to receive my first Laureus. I am proud, I feel blessed by the team I have and the family I have. They believed in myself when I did not believe. I would like to do special thanks to a person with us tonight, which was a very important piece for the world to know me not only as an athlete, but as a person too, who is Aline too [Wolff]my psychologist. I want to thank you for the work, companionship, for your care during my period of injuries. I am happy to be a great reference for the generations that are coming and for people in general, of strength, to show that we can achieve our goals, regardless of where we came from, ”said Rebeca when receiving the award.
The prize with the Brazilian gymnast in the “Return of the Year” category were competed for US swimmer Caeleb Dressel, Swiss skiwoman Lara Gut-Behami, Spanish MotoGP driver Marc Márques, and Indian cricket player Rishabh Pant and Australian swimmer Ariame Titmus.
Largest Olympic medalist in Brazil, with nine podiums, Rebeca Andrade was the center of attention in Paris 2024 by winning gold in the soil race, competing with the multi-champion Simone Biles. At the time, upon the top of the podium, the Brazilian was revered by both Biles (silver) and by Jordan Chiles (bronze), also American. Rebeca closed Paris 2024 with three other medals: two silver (general general and heels) and one bronze by teams.
Americans Simone Biles (left) and Jordan Chiles revere Rebeca Andrade after Brazilian won gold medal on the soil at Paris Games 2024- Reuters/Hannah McKay/Prohibited Reproduction
The last Brazilian to be contemplated with Laureus in the return category of the year was Ronaldo Phenomenon, in 2003. The striker also faced knee surgeries before being a world football champion (2002) with the Brazilian team, in this case the five -time hopscotch.
Other Laureus 2025 winners
Male athlete of the year
Armand Doubroid (Stick Heel – Sweden)
Time of the Year
Real Madrid (Football – Spain)
Women’s athlete of the year
Simone Biles (Artistic Gymnastics – USA)
Revelation of the year
Lamine Yamal (Football – Spain)
Return of the year
Rebeca Andrade (Artistic Gymnastics – Brazil)
Athlete of the Year with Disabilities
Jiang Yuyan (Swimming – China)
Athlete of the Year in Action Sports
Tom Pidcock (Mountain Cycling – United Kingdom)
Sports Award for Good
Kick4Life (Lesoto) – Uses football to help children and young people at risk
Tribute for the professional trajectory:
Kelly Slater (Surf – USA)
Sports icon tribute
Rafael Nadal (Tennis – Spain)
