With a history of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, Andrade has suffered several setbacks in her career, forcing her to consider giving up gymnastics. The brilliant Brazilian had won a gold and silver medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021, but she scarcely competed in 2024 and there was concern whether she would make it to Paris. However, her resilience and determination paid off and she won gold in the floor exercise, silver in the all-around and vault, and bronze in the team event. Having won a career total of six Olympic and nine World Championship medals, she is the most decorated Brazilian and Latin American gymnast of all.
Accepting her Laureus statuette from Brazilian football legend and Laureus World Sports Academy member Cafu, Andrade said: “I feel very happy and honoured to win my first Laureus. I am very blessed to have a team and family who always believe in me, even in the moments when I don’t believe in myself. I would also like to make a special thanks to my friend and psychologist Aline.”
Cafu added: “At this moment, 220 million Brazilians are very proud of you, including me! You represent the smile and the joy of the Brazilian people.”
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