“Kind of ‘eh’”: Olympic champion Rebeca Andrade addresses knee concerns amid prolonged gymnastics hiatus

Rebeca Andrade has recently opened up about her career as she has been away from artistic gymnastics during an extended break. The Brazilian star is managing the physical toll of an intense Olympic cycle. However, she is not out of the picture. She is maintaining a prominent presence on the global stage. In a recent conversation, Andrade offered an insight into how she is approaching this phase of her journey.Ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Andrade spoke with Olympics.com about her path. The conversation further drew attention to her health, long-term plans, and the deliberate decisions guiding her next steps.While discussing her admiration for winter athletes, Rebeca Andrade was asked which sport she might have pursued outside gymnastics. “Figure skating! I’m certain of it!,” Andrade said.“But my knees are kind of ‘eh’ (laughs). But seriously, I was born for gymnastics, for real. I admire all the (winter) sports.“I think they’re all so complex and so difficult, but they’re all so wonderful. Especially because it’s so different from what I live on my side. But it’s so cool, I am super excited to be here.”The remarks followed her selection as one of ten flag bearers at the Milano Cortina opening ceremony. Andrade, Brazil’s most decorated Olympian, described the honor as meaningful.“It’s an honour for me. It speaks a lot about values, of what you represent to sport, not just to your country, but to other athletes in general and to all the people who admire sports and who are here, supporting and cheering,” she said.Andrade has decided to extend her break from competition through this year’s World Championships. The pause marks the first extended rest period of her senior career, which began in 2015.“I’m resting,” Andrade said in a video interview with Globo. “It’s been really important to me. It was something I’ve wanted for a long time, but I understood my priorities. So I ended up pushing it forward. But today is wonderful for me.”Her coach, Francisco Porath Neto, supported the decision. “The whole team felt it wasn’t the best time to take her off this cruise ship we’re on, and she’s doing very well,” he said.“If you ask me today, it’s something that’s 100 per cent resolved,” she said. “I don’t want to do it… I want to show up to do the best of my ability.”As of now, Andrade is focused on recovery and rehab.