Keeping eyes on the Pan American Championships, Brazilian artistic gymnast Rebeca Andrade’s latest move proved that she’s more than ready to return to the competitive realm.

Despite last competing in the 2024 Paris Games, the 27-year-old’s recent training video showed she is in peak physical condition while nearing next month’s event.

“Improving force control. @leonardoaze2 was as happy as me hahaha,” her Instagram caption read on May 28. And the video showcased Andrade doing a successful cast handstand, without breaking a sweat.

Set for June 17 to 21, the Brazilian will only compete on vault at the event, which will also serve as the qualifier to the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships, set for October in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Shockingly, the three ACL injuries couldn’t limit the most decorated Brazilian Olympian’s run. She had won a gold and a silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games and clinched two silvers, a gold and a bronze at the 2024 Paris Games.

Andrade’s physicality and elite status both remain unblemished, while she is taking the one step at a time approach to focus on her game.

Rebeca Andrade Is Making a Slow and Steady Return

Initially, the 27-year-old planned a competitive return in 2025, but couldn’t. However, not competing for two solid years hasn’t tarnished her focus. If anything, she expressed happiness with the progress.

“It’s been OK, one day at a time,” she told Olympics.com exclusively during the 2026 Milan Games. “I am very happy with the way things are happening, with such tranquility. I’m very excited for what’s to come, but always alert so that my body and mind are balanced.”

With a slow but steady focus, Andrade will be heading to Rio de Janeiro next month, which will also be a full-circle moment. Because it is the same arena where she made her Olympic debut in 2016.

Moving forward, what kind of performance do you think Andrade will deliver? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy