Rebeca Andrade Wins Vault Gold on World Championships Return in Rotterdam
Rebeca Andrade Wins Vault Gold at World Championships
Brazilian gymnastics star Rebeca Andrade made a memorable return to the World Championships by winning gold in the women鈥檚 vault final in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on October 24, 2026. The Olympic champion scored an average of 14.466 points to secure her third world title on the apparatus.
The 27-year-old finished ahead of American gymnasts Claire Pease and Skye Blakely, who claimed silver and bronze respectively. The victory marked a major milestone in Andrade鈥檚 comeback after she stepped away from elite competition following the Paris 2024 Olympics to focus on her physical and mental well-being.
Andrade鈥檚 return to the global stage had attracted considerable attention, and she delivered when it mattered most. Her performance reinforced her position among the leading gymnasts of her generation and added another major title to Brazil鈥檚 most successful Olympic career.
Andrade Returns After 22-Month Break
Andrade took a break from competition after the Paris Olympics in 2024, where she added to her remarkable collection of Olympic medals. The time away allowed her to recover physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another competitive cycle.
She returned to international competition at the 2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rio de Janeiro in June. Competing on vault, she won individual gold and helped Brazil secure silver in the women鈥檚 team event, which also secured the country’s qualification for the World Championships.
Her performances at the Brazilian Championships later in the season provided further evidence of her return to form. Rotterdam represented a much bigger test, however, as she faced some of the strongest gymnasts in the world.
Third World Vault Title for Andrade
The victory in Rotterdam gave Andrade her third World Championships gold medal on vault. She had previously won the event at the 2021 World Championships and established herself as one of the discipline鈥檚 most accomplished competitors.
Her latest title also added to her legacy as Brazil鈥檚 most decorated Olympian. Andrade has six Olympic medals, including two gold, three silver and one bronze, making her achievements central to the growth of Brazilian gymnastics on the international stage.
Her return to the top of the world podium showed that she remains capable of challenging for major titles after taking an extended break from competition.
Claire Pease Wins Silver as Skye Blakely Takes Bronze
American gymnast Claire Pease finished second in the women鈥檚 vault final with a score of 14.233, earning her first individual World Championships medal. Her performance marked an important achievement in her international career.
Skye Blakely secured bronze with an average of 14.166. Blakely had already enjoyed an outstanding competition, winning the women鈥檚 individual all-around title before adding another medal in the vault final.
Despite strong challenges from the American gymnasts, Andrade maintained her advantage to claim the gold medal. The final highlighted the depth of competition in women鈥檚 artistic gymnastics, with established champions and emerging talents competing for the top positions.
Simone Biles Watches Andrade鈥檚 Comeback
The vault final also attracted attention because American gymnastics legend Simone Biles was present in the stands at Rotterdam Ahoy. The two athletes have shared several memorable podiums, including at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Andrade won silver in the individual all-around behind Biles.
Their rivalry has become one of the defining stories of modern women鈥檚 gymnastics. Both athletes have achieved extraordinary success, and their performances have helped bring greater attention to the sport worldwide.
Biles has not competed since the Paris Olympics and has yet to confirm whether she will return for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Andrade, meanwhile, has indicated her intention to continue competing towards the next Olympic cycle.
What Lies Ahead for Rebeca Andrade?
Andrade鈥檚 World Championships gold represents a successful return to elite competition and gives her renewed momentum as she looks towards future international events. Her approach has focused on managing her workload and choosing events that allow her to remain competitive while protecting her long-term health.
She has concentrated primarily on vault and balance beam during her comeback, while leaving open questions about her participation in other events. Her decision to prioritise her physical and mental well-being reflects the demands of maintaining a career at the highest level of gymnastics.
With another world title secured, Andrade has once again demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure. Her victory in Rotterdam is not only a personal achievement but also an important moment for Brazilian gymnastics as the sport moves towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
