Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is trying her hand at some new things while she puts gymnastics practice on the back burner. In a new interview, the 28-year-old shared what she’s been up to in her newly acquired spare time.
“Other than [Pilates], I really just do my horseback riding lessons. I had one yesterday at 5:30 PM,” Biles told People magazine. “Usually I have it early in the morning, but since I had calls, we’re like, ‘Let’s do it the night before.’” “There are stables right next to my house and it’s here. So it’s all fencing and equestrian. So I was bored one day and I was like, ‘What am I going to do?’ And I was like, ‘I’m going to start taking horseback riding lessons.’ Because, why not? It’s literally here,” she explained, adding, “And our house owner right now, he has a whole bunch of horses and he’s always offered it. So I was like, ‘Okay, yeah, I’m definitely doing that!’”
Elsewhere in the interview, Biles confirmed that she’s currently taking a “break” from gymnastics. “I’ve never had the opportunity to do these because I was always in the gym 24/7 training, so it does give me a little bit of freedom. But I still absolutely love the sport of gymnastics,” she said. “I still found myself turning on and watching the girls and the guys and being so excited for Team USA. So I have a great relationship with gymnastics. I’ve always loved it… But obviously life just looks a little bit different right now as I’m currently taking a break.”
The Champion Who Changed the Game
Simone Biles, the undisputed queen of gymnastics, has once again shown the world that strength isn’t only measured in medals — it’s also found in knowing when to pause. Recently, Biles revealed that she’s taking a break from gymnastics, but make no mistake — this isn’t a goodbye. With her signature grace and honesty, she shared, “I still absolutely love the sport.”
Her decision has reignited discussions about mental health, self-care, and the pressures elite athletes face. But what does this break really mean for Simone, her fans, and the future of gymnastics? Let’s dive in.
Simone Biles — A Living Legend in Gymnastics
Simone Biles isn’t just another gymnast — she’s a phenomenon. With seven Olympic medals and 25 World Championship titles, her name is etched in history. She’s the most decorated gymnast of all time, a title that speaks volumes about her dedication and talent.
But beyond the medals and accolades, Simone has become a symbol of empowerment. She’s shown that even the strongest need to take care of their mental and emotional well-being.
Why Simone Biles Is Taking a Break
So why now? Why step away when she’s at the peak of her powers again?
In interviews, Biles has made it clear — this break isn’t about burnout or losing passion. It’s about balance, peace, and perspective. After years of relentless training, competition, and global scrutiny, she’s choosing herself.
She said it best: “Gymnastics will always be a part of who I am, but I’m learning how to love it in a healthier way.”
The Importance of Mental Health in Sports
A Voice for Change
Simone Biles has long been open about her struggles with anxiety and pressure, especially after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. When she withdrew from several events citing mental health concerns, she didn’t just protect herself — she changed the conversation about athlete wellness worldwide.
Leading the Mental Health Movement
Her decision paved the way for other athletes to speak up, from Naomi Osaka to Michael Phelps. Biles reminded everyone that mental health is just as vital as physical health — and that true champions take care of both.
What This Break Means for Her Career
A Pause, Not a Retirement
Let’s be clear: Simone isn’t retiring. She’s simply taking a step back to breathe, reflect, and enjoy life beyond the balance beam. This isn’t a farewell tour — it’s a pit stop for renewal.
In her own words, “I still absolutely love the sport, but I’m learning how to love it differently.” That passion hints that a comeback could very well be on the horizon.
The Power of Rest and Recovery
Even elite athletes need downtime. Biles’ break is proof that rest is a form of strength, not weakness. Like muscles that rebuild stronger after rest, Simone’s return — whenever it happens — will likely be her most powerful yet.
Fans’ Emotional Response
Simone’s announcement stirred emotions worldwide. Fans expressed both support and admiration for her courage to choose peace over pressure. Social media flooded with messages like, “Take all the time you need, queen!” and “You’ve already proven everything you need to.”
Her transparency has turned her into a role model not just for gymnasts, but for anyone learning how to prioritize self-care.
Gymnastics Without Biles — Can It Ever Be the Same?
The Gap She Leaves Behind
Let’s face it — gymnastics without Simone Biles feels incomplete. Her groundbreaking skills, like the Biles II on floor or the Yurchenko double pike vault, have redefined the limits of human capability.
But her influence doesn’t disappear with her break. It lives on in every young gymnast inspired by her courage, creativity, and consistency.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Gymnastics academies around the world have seen a surge of young girls saying, “I want to be like Simone.” Even while resting, Biles continues to inspire the next wave of greatness.
The Lessons We Can Learn From Simone’s Break
Success Doesn’t Mean Sacrifice
Simone’s journey teaches us that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of happiness. Taking a break doesn’t make you weak — it makes you wise.
Redefining Strength
True strength lies in vulnerability. Biles’ willingness to share her struggles shows that even the world’s best can admit when they need rest — and that’s what makes her truly unstoppable.
How Simone Is Spending Her Time Off
During her break, Simone isn’t disappearing from the public eye. She’s exploring new passions, spending time with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and advocating for mental health awareness.
She’s also sharing glimpses of her everyday life on social media — from traveling to dancing and even indulging in her love for fashion.
It’s clear she’s using this time to recharge and rediscover joy outside of competition.
Could Simone Biles Return for Another Olympics?
Ah, the golden question. Could we see Simone Biles at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
While she hasn’t confirmed anything, she hasn’t ruled it out either. With her competitive spirit and passion for gymnastics, a comeback would surprise no one.
If she does return, it’ll be on her terms — healthier, happier, and stronger than ever.
The Broader Impact on Women’s Sports
Simone Biles’ break has had ripple effects across women’s sports. She’s challenging outdated narratives that equate rest with weakness. Female athletes everywhere now feel more empowered to set boundaries and prioritize well-being.
In essence, Simone isn’t just changing gymnastics — she’s changing sports culture itself.
A Message of Hope and Humanity
Through her journey, Simone Biles reminds us that even superstars are human. They feel pressure, pain, and exhaustion. But they also feel joy, purpose, and love for what they do.
Her break is a reminder to all of us: You can love something deeply and still step away when you need to.
Conclusion: Simone Biles’ Break Is a Masterclass in Self-Love
Simone Biles has nothing left to prove — yet she continues to teach us valuable lessons about strength, authenticity, and resilience. Her decision to take a break isn’t an ending; it’s a powerful act of self-preservation.
By choosing rest, Simone is showing the world that greatness isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s also about how you care for yourself along the way.
And when she decides to return, there’s no doubt she’ll soar higher than ever before.
