Paris Olympics: Brazilian Gymnast Flavia Saraiva Bounces Back After Eye Injury

Flavia Saraiva showed remarkable resilience and skill at the 2024 Paris Olympics, recovering from a serious injury to make a significant impact.

During the team all-around final on July 30, Saraiva suffered a fall during her warm-up.

Despite this setback, she bounced back to help the Brazilian team, which included Rebeca Andrade, Jade Barbosa, Lorrane Oliveira, and Julia Soares, secure a bronze medal.

This achievement marked Brazil’s first-ever podium finish in the team all-around competition.

In the individual all-around final, Saraiva demonstrated her determination and skill.

Though she did not make it to the medal podium—where Simone Biles and Suni Lee of Team USA took gold and bronze, respectively, and her teammate Rebeca Andrade claimed silver—Saraiva delivered strong performances across all four events.

Her scores were 12.233 on the floor routine, 13.900 on the uneven bars, 13.633 on the vault, and a highest score of 14.266 on the beam, totaling 54.032 and placing her ninth.

Despite falling short of a medal, Saraiva remained positive and focused on enjoying the Games. She shared, “I still can’t believe it. I’m thankful because there’s no better feeling than competing happy and enjoying every moment.”

Saraiva’s teammate, Rebeca Andrade, also had a standout performance, winning her fourth Olympic medal with a silver in the all-around final.

Andrade, who previously won gold and silver medals in Tokyo, remarked on her growth since then, saying, “I am much more mature both as a person and as an athlete.”

She also noted the positive competitive spirit between herself and Biles, stating, “I know that she wants to win, but she will continue rooting for me.”