Flamengo's artistic gymnastics team seeks another spot in Tokyo
Jade Barbosa, Rebeca Andrade and Lorrane Oliveira compete for a spot at the Pan American Games in Rio
By Roberta Pinto - inThe last opportunity for Brazil to secure another spot in women's artistic gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Pan American Gymnastics Championships will be held at the Barra Olympic Park, between June 4th and 6th.
Flamengo has already secured Flavia Saraiva's spot. Jade Barbosa, Rebeca Andrade, and Lorrane Oliveira are competing for the final spot in the competition. Ana Luiza Lima, Christal Bezerra, and Julia Soares, from other clubs, are also in the running.
Although they compete for a spot, the atmosphere between the red-and-black gymnasts couldn't be better. Longtime friends, they root for each other.
"It sounds crazy, right? But there's no competition between us. We're very close friends, we both want the best for each other. I'll do my best and win the spot," said Rebeca Andrade, supported by Lorrane Oliveira.
"You can't root against a friend. That's what Rebeca said; we're very close. We're a team, and whoever's in the best shape goes," she concluded.
Flavia Saraiva, who already has a guaranteed spot in the Olympics, suffered an ankle injury and will not compete in the competition to focus on her recovery. She is expected to be cleared to compete next month and is not a concern for the Olympics.
According to the rules, the top two finishers in the individual all-around qualifying round (with a limit of one gymnast per country) qualify for Tokyo. With the absence of the United States and Canada, Brazil is the favorite to take one of the spots. The Pan American Games were originally scheduled to be held in the United States, but USA Gymnastics withdrew the event. In January, the championships were confirmed in Brazil.