Brazil’s greatest Olympic medalist will receive the Tiradentes medal, the highest honor granted by the Rio de Janeiro parliament
Brazil’s greatest Olympic medalist, with 6 medals in artistic gymnastics (2 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze), Rebeca Andrade will be awarded the Tiradentes Medal, the main honor granted by Alerj (Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro).
The project, authored by deputy Professor Josemar (Psol), was approved this Tuesday (6.Aug.2024), in a single discussion, 1 day after Rebeca won the gold medal in the floor final at the Paris Olympics.
Professor Josemar said that the award is not only due to the athlete’s sporting achievements, but also in recognition of her role in the fight against racism, being a voice for equality, diversity and social justice. He also opened the possibility of co-authorship to all deputies present at the session.
“She [Rebeca] 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 redefined the limits of what is possible“, he said.
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 in 2016, when she was just 17 years old at the time.
These achievements have consolidated Rebeca Andrade’s position as the record holder for Brazilian 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 was also two-time world champion in the vault, in 2021 and 2023, and world champion in the individual all-around, in 2022.
With information from Brazil Agency.
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