In Santiago, Chile (AP) The possible vault opponent for Simone Biles at next year's Paris Olympics extended her winning streak on Tuesday.
The American star's pal Rebeca Andrade of Brazil earned a gold medal in her favorite Pan American Games event (anticipated).
The Brazilian won her first gold at the Americas' greatest multi-sports tournament, where she is a star. Andrade's first vault was 15.333 and her second 14.633, executed effortlessly. Her 14.983 average outscored U.S. silver medalist Jordan Chiles by 0.833.
Andrade, 24, defeated Biles to win the vault gold at the global competition in Antwerp this month. The most decorated American gymnast did not compete in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, but the Brazilian won gold.
On the last day of the gymnastics world championships, Biles won four more gold medals, including dominating the balance beam and floor finals, but lost to Andrade by 0.201 after flying backward in her first vault. She has a record 37 world and Olympic medals.
The Brazilian claimed she won't consider the Olympics until later. “It is still a bit far, let's talk about that next year,” Andrade said. Cecile Landi, Biles' coach, said the American doesn't want to discuss the Olympics yet to protect herself.
Andrade lost her first match against the U.S. team on Sunday when Chiles won the all-round. The Brazilian skipped the floor workout to protect her knees, which have had three major surgery.
The American was kind enough to pretend to crown the Brazilian before the medal ceremony in Belgium. They were pictured dancing at a party days later. Andrade frequently states Biles inspires her for her talents and mental health attitude.
“She (Biles) is more than a great gymnast, she is a great person,” Andrade said Sunday following winning Santiago all-around team silver medal. "I want us to keep having fun as we do it."