Simone Biles is unsure whether she will compete at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. For now, the most decorated gymnast of all-time has other priorities and is listening to her body, too. “I’m really trying to enjoy life, to spend time with my husband (Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens), go support him at his games, live my life as a woman,” she said in an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe published on Tuesday. “I’ve accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, it would really have to excite me.”
Simone Biles—arguably the most iconic gymnast of our time—isn’t sure she’ll compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Yep, you read that right. The four-time Olympic gold medalist, whose name is practically synonymous with greatness in gymnastics, recently said that 2028 “seems so far away.” Let’s dive into what that really means—and why this comment sent shockwaves through the sports world.
The 28-year-old American will be in Los Angeles for the Games but does not yet know in which capacity. “Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that,” she told L’Equipe. “But 2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris.” Simone Biles has dominated the gymnastics world for over a decade. With 7 Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals, she’s often dubbed the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time).
The American gymnast won three gold medals and a silver at the Paris Olympics, taking her career tally to seven Olympic golds and 11 medals overall. But her body cracked from the strain. “I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days,” she said, before recounting another experience. “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.”
She praised her rival, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, for recovering from injury and for “pushing me beyond my limits,” but also said gymnastics no longer needs both of them. “It only needs one of us, no? Especially since (Andrade) will not be alone,” Biles said. “A young generation will knock at the door and everything will start again.”
The interview took place before Monday’s Laureus Awards in Madrid, where she was named sportswoman of the year. Whatever she decides regarding her career, Biles will continue to speak about 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.”
Simone Biles doesn’t owe anyone a yes or no about 2028. She’s already changed the game—multiple times. Whether she competes in LA or not, her legacy is set in gold. Sometimes, the bravest thing isn’t sticking around forever. It’s knowing when to say, “That was enough.”
