Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has hinted that the Tokyo Olympics may have been her final competition. In a recent interview, the 27-year-old gymnast expressed uncertainty about her future in the sport.
Simone Biles made her senior international debut as a 16-year-old gymnastics prodigy, swiftly rising from a U.S. junior star to the world’s best.
A second world title in 2014 and a third in 2015. Her Rio 2016 Olympic Games run culminated in four gold medals in team, all-around, vault, and floor exercise events.
During an interview on The Tonight Show, the most decorated gymnast in history was forced to address the possibility of returning to the Olympic stage when the games are held in Los Angeles in July 2028.
“People are probably asking, but four years from now, the Olympics are back in the United States…I know…” Jimmy Fallon sighed, and Biles replied, “Everybody wants to know this question! I am like, ‘Can I live?'”
At 27 years old, Biles admits she is feeling the effects of time, which can be a game-changer in the world of gymnastics.
“First, I’m getting older. Like 27 is a little bit old for a gymnast, but right now–” Biles began before the 49-year-old late-night host cut her off in disbelief.
“What?!” Fallon squealed. “Is it?” Later, adding, “You’re a baby.”
“So here’s the thing: In real life, it’s like aging like fine wine. But in gymnastics, it’s old. But outside of the gym, oh yeah, I’m young. But hitting the gym (gymnastics), I’m old,” Simone Biles patiently explained.
Even her return to the sport after a year away from training appeared effortless. When Biles returned to the global stage in 2018 after missing the previous year, she had her most successful worlds yet, winning a medal in each final.
2019, she won five gold medals at the World Championships, tying a 61 record.
Simone Biles won gold in the women’s vault and silver in the women’s floor competition in Paris, giving her ten and eleven Olympic medals, respectively.
Since returning from the Paris Olympics, the gold medallist has hinted at an even bigger prize: her own family.
