Flavia Saraiva showed incredible resilience at the 2024 Paris Olympics after suffering a black eye during a team all-around final practice.
Brazilian gymnast Flavia Saraiva didn’t let a nasty spill during her warmup hold her back at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Just days after the fall on July 30, Saraiva helped propel her team, which includes Rebeca Andrade, Jade Barbosa, Lorrane Oliveira, and Julia Soares, to a bronze medal in the team all-around final. In the individual all-around final, Saraiva continued to shine.
Saraiva, 24, didn’t make it to the medal podium. Team USA’s Simone Biles won gold, Suni Lee took bronze, and Saraiva’s teammate, Rebeca Andrade, secured silver. However, Saraiva put up impressive scores across her four events, ultimately finishing in ninth place. Despite a small stumble in her floor routine, she earned a 12.233 in that event, a 13.900 on the uneven bars, a 13.633 in her vault, and her highest score of 14.266 on the beam, bringing her total to 54.032 points. She accomplished her main goal: to enjoy the Games.
After winning five medals at the World Championship in October, Saraiva shared her joy, saying, “I still can’t believe it. I’m thankful because there’s no better feeling than competing happy and enjoying every moment.”
Saraiva’s performance helped make history for Brazil, marking their first team all-around podium finish at the Olympics. Meanwhile, her teammate Rebeca Andrade, who also put on an impressive show, described the competition with the formidable Simone Biles as nothing but friendly. “I know that she wants to win, but she will continue rooting for me,” Rebeca said.
Saraiva and Andrade’s success isn’t just about medals; it’s about growth and maturity. “I am much more mature both as a person and as an athlete,” Andrade reflected. This growth has contributed to their stellar performances and made history for Brazilian gymnastics.
While Flavia Saraiva didn’t take home an individual medal, her resilience and joy for the sport made her a standout at the 2024 Olympics. Alongside her teammate Rebeca Andrade, they pushed the boundaries for Brazilian gymnastics, creating moments that will be remembered for years to come.
