Simone Biles faces a pivotal decision about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, balancing her unparalleled gymnastics legacy against the physical toll of competition and her newfound focus on personal life.
At a Glance
- Simone Biles has not confirmed whether she’ll compete, spectate, or serve another role in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
- At 28, Biles acknowledges her body is aging and felt significant strain after the Paris Olympics
- After winning three gold medals in Paris, Biles is prioritizing physical and mental healing
- She withdrew from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to “the twisties” but returned for 2024 Paris Games
- Biles remains committed to mental health advocacy regardless of her competitive future
Uncertainty About Olympic Future
America’s most decorated gymnast remains undecided about her role in the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. While many fans hope to see her compete for more gold medals, Biles is currently focused on life outside the gym. Her decision hinges on multiple factors including physical capability, mental readiness, and personal priorities. The Olympic champion has been transparent about needing time to assess whether another four-year commitment to Olympic preparation aligns with her current life stage and goals.
Biles has already cemented her legacy as the greatest American gymnast in history, with seven Olympic gold medals and eleven medals overall. Her exceptional performance in Paris, where she secured three gold medals and a silver, further solidified her status in the sport. However, the physical demands of elite gymnastics have become increasingly apparent to the 28-year-old athlete who experienced significant health challenges following her most recent Olympic appearance.
Physical Toll and Recovery
The intensive training regimen required for Olympic competition has taken a noticeable toll on Biles. After the Paris Olympics, she faced serious physical consequences that have factored into her cautious approach about future competition. Her body’s response to the Olympic effort revealed the growing challenges of continuing in a sport that primarily showcases teenage athletes, with Biles being a remarkable exception competing at the highest level into her late twenties.
The gymnast described a concerning physical collapse after her Olympic performance, followed by an extended period of illness. Even casual physical activities now result in prolonged recovery periods, signaling the cumulative effect of years of elite gymnastics training on her body. These physical realities present significant obstacles to another Olympic cycle, regardless of her mental preparation and competitive desire.
Mental Health Advocacy
Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has become an influential voice for mental health awareness in sports. Her decision to withdraw from several events at the Tokyo Olympics due to “the twisties” – a dangerous condition where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air – sparked crucial conversations about athlete wellbeing. This stance represented a watershed moment in sports, prioritizing athlete safety over medals and external expectations.
After taking a two-year hiatus following Tokyo, Biles made a triumphant return for the Paris Olympics, demonstrating resilience while maintaining her commitment to mental health. Regardless of her competitive future, she remains dedicated to advocating for athlete wellbeing and being “a voice for the voiceless.” This legacy of mental health advocacy may ultimately prove as significant as her athletic accomplishments.
The Four-Year Commitment
Any decision about the 2028 Olympics requires understanding the extensive commitment involved. Biles has emphasized that Olympic preparation isn’t merely about the two-week competition but represents years of dedicated training and sacrifice. The gymnast has highlighted this misconception among the public, noting the comprehensive lifestyle adjustments required throughout the four-year Olympic cycle.
For now, Biles is balancing time with family and personal life after years of prioritizing gymnastics. While she has expressed excitement about the Los Angeles location for the 2028 Games, this enthusiasm doesn’t necessarily translate to competition plans. She has also spoken positively about other gymnasts, including Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, suggesting her comfort with passing the torch to a new generation of athletes while potentially contributing to the Olympic movement in other capacities.
