Flamengo is the four-time Brazilian champion in women's artistic gymnastics
Rebeca Andrade competes in her first competition in Brazil after the Olympics
By Roberta Pinto - in
Flamengo's women's artistic gymnastics team once again proved its worth. The girls from #FlaGinástica shone in João Pessoa, winning their fourth consecutive Brazilian championship in the sport.
The Ronaldão Gymnasium in João Pessoa was too small for the crowd that packed the stands to watch the Brazilian Artistic Gymnastics Championship. Led by two-time Olympic champion Rebeca Andrade in the team competition, Mengo put on a show and was the team that earned the most points, taking home the championship trophy. The top spot on the podium came thanks to a brilliant performance by the team of Rebeca Andrade, Lorrane Oliveira, Hellen Vitória, Isabel Aguilar, Nicole Bello, and Julia Coutinho, who combined for a score of 156.350. The silver medal went to Cegin, from Curitiba, with a score of 149.800, and the bronze to Pinheiros, with 149.550. Jade Barbosa, who was rested, and Flavia Saraiva, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, were there to support the team but did not compete.
In the individual all-around, Flamengo took silver and bronze, with Isabel Aguilar (51.450) and Hellen Vitória (51.200) respectively.
"I'm so happy. It's hard to describe, it's an incredible feeling. When I stepped off the beam, I was anxiously awaiting the score because I knew I could place well. When the score came back, I was just celebrating," said Isabel, just 14 years old.
"It's a happiness that can't be explained. I'm very happy and fulfilled," Hellen added.
It is worth noting that fourth and fifth place in the individual all-around also went to the red-blacks with Gabriela Bouças and Larissa Machado.
This Sunday, the apparatus finals will be contested. Rebeca Andrade will compete in the parallel bars final, as will Gabriela Bouças and Isabel Aguilar. On vault, Flamengo will be seeking medals with Larissa Machado, Isabel Aguilar, and Nicole Bello. On beam, Hellen Vitória, Larissa Machado, and Isabel Aguilar will be the representatives. The floor event will feature four athletes from Mengo: Hellen Vitória, Isabel Aguilar, Gabriela Bouças, and Julia Coutinho.