Brazil’s greatest Olympic medalist, with six medals in artistic gymnastics (two gold, three silver and one bronze), Rebeca Andrade will be awarded the Tiradentes Medal, the highest honor granted by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj). The project, authored by deputy Professor Josemar (PSOL), was approved this Tuesday (6), in a single discussion, one day after Rebeca had won the gold medal in the floor final at the Paris Olympics.
The parliamentarian said that the award is not only due to the athlete’s sporting achievements, but is also a recognition of her role in the fight against racism, being a voice in favor of equality, diversity and social justice. The deputy also opened co-authorship to all deputies present at the session.
“She has emerged as a true inspiration not only for her records and achievements, but also for her personal journey, marked by challenges and obstacles that she has overcome with grace and determination. As a black woman in a sport historically dominated by athletes of other ethnic backgrounds, Rebeca has not only broken barriers, but has redefined the limits of what is possible,” said Professor Josemar.
Achievements
The Olympic gold medal on the floor in Paris was Rebeca’s second, as she was also the champion in the vault competition at the Tokyo Olympics. In addition to the two golds, the athlete also won two silver medals in Paris, in the vault and in the individual all-around, as well as a bronze in the team event. In Tokyo, she also won a silver medal in the individual all-around.
Born in Guarulhos, São Paulo, the gymnast made her Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, when she was just 17 years old. These achievements have cemented Rebeca Andrade as the record holder for most podium finishes in the history of the Olympic Games. The gymnast surpassed the five podium finishes of Brazilian sailors Robert Scheidt and Torben Grael. The 25-year-old athlete has also been a two-time world champion in diving, in 2021 and 2023, and the world champion in the individual all-around, in 2022.
