Fourteen-year-old aspiring gymnast Manuela Kriegel practices at the Bonifácio Cardoso gym outside Sao Paulo, where a painting of Olympic champion Rebeca Andrade inspires her. Andrade, now 25, won six medals at the Paris Olympics, becoming the most decorated Olympian in Brazil’s history. Dozens of girls train at the gym where Andrade began her career, inspired by her audacious moves and resilience. Andrade’s success has convinced young gymnasts like Kriegel that winning at the Olympics is possible for Brazilians. Gymnastics teacher Mônica dos Anjos recalls seeing Andrade’s potential when she was just 5 years old and believes that Andrade’s success has opened doors for aspiring gymnasts in Brazil. Kelly Mendes, whose daughter Lara trains at the gym, believes that Andrade’s influence will lead to more success in Brazilian gymnastics in the future. Manuela Kriegel and other young gymnasts now have a role model in Andrade, giving them hope and motivation to pursue their own Olympic dreams.
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Olympic Champion Rebeca Andrade from Brazil Motivates Young Girls at Her Hometown Gym, Where Her Athletic Journey Began
