Simone Biles—arguably the greatest gymnast of all time—has once again stunned fans, not with gravity-defying flips, but with her honest reflection on the toll gymnastics has taken on her body and her uncertain future in the sport.
In a candid interview with French outlet L’Équipe, the 28-year-old American superstar admitted that competing at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles isn’t a sure thing. Despite her dominance at the Paris 2024 Games, where she clinched three gold medals and one silver, Biles revealed that the aches, pains, and realities of aging are catching up with her.
“My body literally collapsed”
Recounting her experience in Paris, Biles didn’t sugarcoat the aftermath of elite competition. “I went back to the Olympic village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days,” she revealed. “The other day, we were sprinting in the garden with friends, I had aches and pains for three days. So, I honestly don’t know. We’ll see.”
For Biles, the idea of another Olympic run isn’t just about one year of preparation—it’s a full four-year journey. And even with the allure of competing on home soil in Los Angeles, the physical cost looms large. “A lot of people think it’s just a one-year commitment, but it truly is the four years leading up to the Olympics,” she said. “It’s in LA, it’s back in the States, which is so exciting. But if I’m going to compete again, I’m not so sure.”
Legacy over longevity
With an impressive total of 11 Olympic medals—seven of them gold—Biles has already secured her place in history. At this stage in her career, motivation plays as much of a role as physical readiness. “I’ve accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, it would really have to excite me,” she explained.
She’s not even sure what role she’ll play in LA 2028—whether she’ll be on the apparatus or in the stands as a spectator. “2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris.”
A voice beyond medals
Simone Biles’ story goes far beyond her medal count. She has become a symbol of resilience, mental health advocacy, and the evolution of gymnastics. Whether or not she returns to compete in Los Angeles, her impact is already generational.
While fans across the globe will no doubt be hoping for one last Olympic hurrah on American soil, Biles is keeping things grounded—for herself and for those who look up to her. As she continues to weigh her options, one thing remains clear: her legacy is already gold.
