Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history and a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, is hinting that her days of competing on the world’s biggest stage may be behind her.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, which named her the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, Biles shared candid reflections on her legacy and her future in gymnastics following her record-breaking performance at the Paris Olympics.
A Career of Unparalleled Accomplishments
At 27, Biles expressed gratitude for her achievements, stating:
“Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what?” She added, “I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done.”
The Paris Olympics showcased Biles’ enduring dominance, including her victory in the individual vault final. However, she acknowledged during a press conference after her performance that her signature Yurchenko double pike vault, renamed the Biles II, may have been her last.
Weighing Sacrifices and Future Goals
While fans have speculated about her potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Biles emphasized the personal sacrifices required for another Olympic run. Touching on her marriage to NFL player Jonathan Owens, she reflected on the consequences of delaying major life milestones, such as starting a family.
“If you go back, you’ll be greedy,” she said. “What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”
Biles also admitted that she hasn’t fully processed the impact of her legacy.
“I don’t think the reality has set in of what I’ve exactly done in the sport,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll realize ’til maybe I retire and look back in a couple years like, Damn, she was good.”
The Historic 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The 2028 Games will mark the first Summer Olympics held in the United States since Atlanta in 1996. Should Biles choose to compete, she would make history as the only American gymnast to qualify for four Olympic Games.
However, she would also face the challenge of competing at the age of 31, an age at which most gymnasts have long retired.
For now, Biles seems focused on savoring her unparalleled accomplishments and embracing the next chapter of her life. Whether or not she returns to the Olympic stage, her influence on gymnastics and her role as a trailblazer for athletes worldwide are cemented.
