Historic! Flavia Saraiva wins bronze on vault at Artistic Gymnastics Worlds

PODIUM FOR RUBRO-NEGRO! The final day of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships belonged to Flavia Saraiva. On Sunday morning (25th), the Mengão gymnast delivered an outstanding performance—with high difficulty level—and made history by claiming bronze on vault.

The achievement came with a score of 14.300 and was well deserved. Flavinha secured her third medal at Worlds, her second in individual events. The athlete demonstrated precision, balance, and the distinctive personality that has defined her entire career. That signature smile following her routine also shone through.

A specialist on the apparatus, the athlete surpassed her 2025 World Championship mark, when she finished fourth—proof of the evolution and dedication throughout this period. Algeria's Kaylia Nemour took gold and China's Zhang Qingying claimed silver.

In the mixed zone, during an interview with TV Globo, Flavia opened her heart and celebrated her journey, reflecting on her beginnings and the perseverance required to reach World Championship gold.

- This represents a girl who competed in an Olympic final at 16 and trained for ten years to earn a World medal. I feel happy and proud. It was a well-executed plan and we used the right strategies to include maximum difficulty so the result could come. We know the final is tough, but I seized the opportunity and brought the medal home for myself and for Brazil – she said.

Her close bond with Jade Barbosa also came up. The two share a long-standing friendship, and whenever she can, Flavinha demonstrates the deep respect and admiration she holds for the pioneer who paved the way.

- Fourteen years ago there was a World Championship here and Jade won bronze. We're very much alike, you know? I love Jade, she's like a sister to me and she's an incredible person who devotes her time helping and encouraging us. I'm grateful to her – she said.

Flavia's bronze marks Brazil's final medal at the tournament—which featured Rebeca Andrade's gold on vault and Lorrane Oliveira's appearance in the all-around final after a considerable layoff—and caps an unforgettable campaign.

Flavia Lopes Saraiva dreamed, achieved, and enchanted the Netherlands and, of course, Brazil. There was no other way it could have ended. The Rubro-Negro's prominence mirrors the history of gymnastics, national and worldwide.