Is this who could STOP Simone Biles? Meet Rebeca Andrade – the Brazilian gymnastics icon who ‘scares’ Biles most ahead of their Olympic rematch

While Simone Biles has put herself in a class of her own, even the most decorated Olympic gymnast acknowledges her toughest competitions.

After losing to her rival at last year’s World Vault, Biles says “that scares me the most,” and she pretended to take a crown off her head and place it on Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade.

However, the crown’s place could be re-determined when the American living legend and the Brazilian icon face off in the all-around on Thursday at the Bercy Arena in Paris.

Although reigning all-around gold medalist Suni Lee will be in attendance, the outcome of last year’s competition and Biles’ return to the Olympic spotlight (which already yielded gold) leave no room for discussion about who will take center stage next Thursday.

Here, DailyMail.com examines Andrade’s career and how she could be the biggest threat to Biles’ epic Olympic feat.

She will face Brazilian gymnastics icon Rebeca Andrade, who defeated her on vault

Born on May 8, 1999, Andrade grew up in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo with seven siblings. Andrade began gymnastics at age four after her aunt took her to the facility where she worked.

Rebe’s mother cleaned houses and walked to work to provide for the family and pay for her gymnastics training.

At the age of nine, Andrade moved to train in Curitiba, before taking her talents to Rio de Janeiro the following year to train with Flamengo. In 2012, she began her international career and the rest is history.

Andrade’s talent earned the vibrant nation its first Olympic gold medal in artistic gymnastics. She is also the second Brazilian to take home gold at the world championships.

Andrade made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, winning gold on vault and silver in the all-around. Earlier this week, she and her team won bronze medals when Biles and the Americans won the team event.

Andrade also has three golds, four silvers and two bronzes at the World Championships. She also has two golds and two silvers at the Pan American Games and four golds and two silvers at the Pan American Championships.

Andrade and Biles finished 1-2 in most of their World Championship matches last year

Biles and the Americans won gold in the team competition, marking her Olympic comeback

Andrade and Brazil finished third behind Team USA, while Italy secured second place

When Biles and I met at the world championships, we were tied 1-2 on everything except the uneven bars and beam. The bars were won by China and Algeria. Meanwhile, Biles won gold on the beam, while Andrade finished with bronze.

However, a friendly rivalry developed between them as they were close to each other in the rankings.

Biles took home four gold medals and Andrade one, but it was the Brazilian star’s victory on vault that made their rematch in Paris one of the most anticipated encounters of the Olympics.

While the numbers aren’t surprisingly in Biles’ favor, her previous loss to Andrade is reason enough for her to accept the challenge.

The 38 medals the American won at the Olympics and World Championships are a lot higher than the 12 medals Andrade won, but the Brazilian icon remains confident and is enjoying the opportunity.

Andrade won gold on vault and silver in the all-around competition at the 2021 Tokyo Games

Andrade has won a total of 12 medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships

Biles’ victory on Tuesday made her the most decorated Olympic gymnast at age 27

“It’s about me doing my best,” Andrade told AFP. “I hope she does the same, that she does her best, because it’s an honor to fight next to her.”

Despite being seen as rivals in their sport, the competitors share the utmost respect for each other. At the 2018 World Championships, Biles cheered on Andrade as she recovered from the second of what would become three ACL tears.

Andrade said Biles then “spoke from the heart” and a “relationship of admiration” was created.

As for the figurative handing over of the crown last year, Andrade had no doubts about the respectful intent behind Biles’ gesture.

“I saw it as something sincere and spontaneous, to acknowledge her position in the gymnastics world,” she told Brazil’s Marie Claire.