Simone Biles, widely considered the GOAT of her sport, most decorated gymnast in history, still noncommittal about competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. At a mere 28 years of age, Biles has already cemented her legacy in the world of gymnastics. She’s had an amazing career, winning seven gold medals in the process. Following her stunning return to action at the 2024 Paris Games, Biles earned gold medals in the team competition, all-around and vault finals. Now, as she looks towards the future, she is heading into unchartered waters.
Biles dominated headlines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in the summer of 2021), when she decided to withdraw from multiple competitions, and prioritize mental health for a change. Her announcement was largely praised and the emphasis on athlete safety and mental health was appreciated. The Paris Games were a triumphant return for her, but she shared that the experience of competing came at a brutal cost.
Reflections on the 2024 Games
After winning three gold medals in Paris, Biles is already talking about the toll that physical and emotional strain she faced has had on the competition. She described her experience post-competition, stating that she “went back to the village, took the elevator and my body literally collapsed.” This turned into a ten-day sickness that more so crystallized the pressures of elite athletic performance.
During her comeback post Tokyo 2020, Biles opened up about the phenomenon known as “athlete aging.” “2028 seems so far away. My body ages. I felt it in Paris,” she remarked, emphasizing the physical toll that competing at such a high level can take on an athlete’s body.
Even with all she’s accomplished, Biles is understandably hesitant about committing to a full Olympic cycle again.
“I have accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, I would really need to be thrilled by it,” – Simone Biles
The Future of Olympic Gymnastics
As the conversation around the 2028 Games continues, Biles is aware of what sets competing on home soil apart from other Games. I know what you’re thinking — are you really going to convince me that this view of the Games coming to Los Angeles is intriguing. And as for me, whether on the apparatus or the stands, I haven’t quite decided,” she said. This makes it easy to overlook her long history with the sport and her commitment to staying engaged, whichever way she decides to jump.
As we await Biles’ decision, the gymnastics world would surely welcome her in any capacity, as she’d markedly change the competitive landscape if she chose to return. If she decides to run a second time, it certainly would be yet another chapter of her legendary career.
Leave a Reply