Stronger than ever. This is how Flamengo's artistic gymnastics team can be described, having always been a benchmark in the Olympic sport. With stars like Jade Barbosa, Diego and Daniele Hypolito, and Victor Rosa, all of whom have represented the Brazilian national team, Flamengo's gymnastics team has undergone a turnaround since the beginning of the year, when Patricia Amorim took over as Flamengo's president and began investing heavily in Olympic sports.

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One of the beneficiaries was artistic gymnastics, which now has new talent, such as Ana Cláudia Silva, Khiuani Dias, Juliana Santos and Janaína Silva.

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The investment has already begun to bear fruit, as seen in the results of the last Brazilian Championship, in which Flamengo won the women's team championship, a feat not achieved since 2006. Not to mention the individual gold medals won by Diego and Danielle Hypolito.

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Jade Barbosa, who captivated the world with her charisma at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio, is back on the Brazilian national team after a period away due to a wrist injury. The gymnast recently underwent evaluations by a medical board that cleared her to continue training.

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Jade's first challenge will be the Pre-Pan, a qualifying competition for the 2011 Pan American Games, which will be held from August 30th to September 6th in Guadalajara, Mexico. Jade will be joined on the event by her club teammates, Gabriela Soares and Daniele Hypolito.

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In addition to Jade, Daniele and Gabriela, Flamengo will also have the presence of Letícia Costa and Ana Cláudia Silva in the select group that will defend Brazil in the 2011 Pan-American Games.

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"I'm still lacking competition rhythm, and I think that's hindered me a bit. I went to the Brazilian Championship trying not to get my hopes up about being called up to the Brazilian national team. I tried not to think about it too much so as not to affect my performance, but I knew I could be called up, and of course, I'm very happy," said Jade Barbosa.

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Daniele, the most experienced of the group, did not hide her happiness at having her teammate back on the Brazilian team.

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"We now have a huge boost with Jade's return, and that has to be celebrated. She was missing from the team, and we all have greater peace of mind from now on, because we needed her on the team. I'm happy that everything worked out."

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