Simone Biles opens up about future in gymnastics: "2028 seems so far away"
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 23, 2025, 20:04 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Simone Biles is uncertain about competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, citing the physical and emotional toll of the sport and a desire to prioritize personal happiness. Despite her historic achievements, including seven Olympic gold medals, Biles emphasizes the importance of balance and supporting her husband.
After another historic Olympic performance in Paris, gymnastics icon Simone Biles is uncertain about returning for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, citing a changing perspective on life, the physical toll of her sport, and a desire to embrace new priorities.
At 28, Biles has little left to prove. With seven Olympic gold medals and 11 total Olympic podium finishes, she stands as the most decorated gymnast in history. But as she told L’Équipe in a candid interview, her focus is no longer solely on medals.
“I’m really trying to enjoy life,” Biles said. “To spend time with my husband, go support him at his games, live my life as a woman. I’ve accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, it would really have to excite me.”
Married to NFL player Jonathan Owens, Biles emphasized how her current priorities are centered around balance and personal happiness, not just podium finishes. Her comments suggest that the path to LA 2028 may not be as straightforward as fans might hope.
Despite her medal haul in Paris three golds and one silver Biles admitted that the experience left her physically and emotionally depleted.
“I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days,” she shared. “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.”
It’s a rare glimpse into the cost of elite performance, even for someone as seemingly untouchable as Biles. Her words reflect an athlete deeply attuned to her limits, choosing to prioritize long-term health over fleeting glory.
While Biles will undoubtedly be present in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics, her role is still uncertain.
“Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that,” she said. “2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris.”
For fans, her presence alone whether as an athlete, mentor, or advocate will be significant. Her influence extends beyond the mat, touching issues of mental health, athlete welfare, and female empowerment.
In typical Biles fashion, she took time to shine a light on others specifically, Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade, who she credited for motivating her:
“She pushed me beyond my limits.”
But Biles also sees a natural transition ahead. “Gymnastics no longer needs both of us. It only needs one of us, no? Especially since (Andrade) will not be alone. A young generation will knock at the door and everything will start again.”
Her statement reflects both humility and confidence in the sport’s future. The torch, it seems, is already in the process of being passed.
Regardless of her competition plans, Biles promises to remain a vocal advocate for mental health a cause she’s championed with courage and candor since the Tokyo Games.
“I am very proud of the work accomplished to reach this point,” she said, “and I will continue to be the voice of the voiceless.”
After being named Sportswoman of the Year at Monday’s Laureus Awards in Madrid, Biles’ legacy is as secure as ever. Whether she competes in Los Angeles or cheers from the stands, her presence will continue to resonate not just as an athlete, but as a trailblazer, advocate, and inspiration for the next generation.
At 28, Biles has little left to prove. With seven Olympic gold medals and 11 total Olympic podium finishes, she stands as the most decorated gymnast in history. But as she told L’Équipe in a candid interview, her focus is no longer solely on medals.
"I’ve accomplished so much"
Married to NFL player Jonathan Owens, Biles emphasized how her current priorities are centered around balance and personal happiness, not just podium finishes. Her comments suggest that the path to LA 2028 may not be as straightforward as fans might hope.
Feeling the strain after Paris
“I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days,” she shared. “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.”
It’s a rare glimpse into the cost of elite performance, even for someone as seemingly untouchable as Biles. Her words reflect an athlete deeply attuned to her limits, choosing to prioritize long-term health over fleeting glory.
"Whether on the apparatus or in the stands"
“Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that,” she said. “2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris.”
For fans, her presence alone whether as an athlete, mentor, or advocate will be significant. Her influence extends beyond the mat, touching issues of mental health, athlete welfare, and female empowerment.
The rise of a new generation
“She pushed me beyond my limits.”
But Biles also sees a natural transition ahead. “Gymnastics no longer needs both of us. It only needs one of us, no? Especially since (Andrade) will not be alone. A young generation will knock at the door and everything will start again.”
Her statement reflects both humility and confidence in the sport’s future. The torch, it seems, is already in the process of being passed.
A continued voice for mental health
“I am very proud of the work accomplished to reach this point,” she said, “and I will continue to be the voice of the voiceless.”