In a new interview, the most decorated gymnast of all-time hinted at her 2028 plans and revealed new details about how the Paris Olympics took its toll on her body. 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.”
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.” 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.”
Ever feel like you’ve given something your all—physically, mentally, emotionally—only to completely crash afterward? That’s not just a metaphor for Simone Biles. After her iconic performance at the Paris Olympics, she revealed that her “body literally collapsed.” And honestly, it’s more than just shocking—it’s a wake-up call for all of us.
Who Is Simone Biles?
If you’ve somehow missed her jaw-dropping routines, Simone Biles is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time. With a combined total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, she’s a powerhouse. But behind that gold medal smile? There’s a story of struggle, resilience, and now, physical burnout.
Paris Olympics 2024: A High-Stakes Return
The 2024 Paris Olympics marked Biles’ much-anticipated comeback after stepping away from the Tokyo Games in 2021 due to mental health concerns. The world was watching, the pressure was sky-high, and Simone delivered—flipping, twisting, and dominating like no other.
But that kind of performance comes with a price.
The Physical Demands of Elite Gymnastics
Gymnastics isn’t just cartwheels and ribbons. It’s brutal on the body. Think of it like this: every flip is a mini car crash on your joints. The stress on muscles, tendons, and bones is relentless.
And for Simone, pushing through it all meant her body finally said, “No more.”
What Happened After the Olympics?
In a recent interview, Biles confessed that her body shut down. She described it not as fatigue or soreness but a literal collapse—where her physical system just gave out.
She wasn’t exaggerating. Doctors confirmed she had to take immediate medical intervention and extended rest. No workouts. No public appearances. Just recovery.
Biles’ Shocking Revelation
“I felt fine one moment… and then it was like my entire body just stopped functioning,” Biles said. “I couldn’t even hold myself up.”
This wasn’t just exhaustion—it was total burnout.
Imagine revving an engine nonstop for hours on end. Eventually, it’s going to overheat. That’s exactly what happened to Simone.
Understanding “Body Collapse” in Athletes
Athletes who push their bodies beyond safe limits risk what’s known as overtraining syndrome. It’s a dangerous mix of:
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Physical fatigue
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Hormonal imbalance
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Mental exhaustion
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Immune suppression
And in extreme cases? The body literally gives out—just like Simone described.
The Pressure of Perfection
Let’s be real—the world expects perfection from Biles. Every flip she lands becomes a trending hashtag. Every misstep becomes headline news. That kind of unrelenting pressure can crush anyone, no matter how strong they are.
Mental and Emotional Stress in Elite Sports
We often forget that mental health is health. Biles has been open about battling anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Combine that with the physical toll of Olympic-level training, and you have a recipe for collapse—both mental and physical.
How Biles Managed to Push Through
Despite her body’s collapse, Biles didn’t let it define her. She sought professional help, listened to her doctors, and took the time to heal—physically and emotionally. That’s strength. Not just the kind you see on a balance beam, but the kind it takes to say, “I need a break.”
The Recovery Process: A Grueling Journey
Recovery wasn’t easy. Simone had to go through:
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Weeks of physical therapy
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Strict nutritional regimens
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Sleep therapy to reset her system
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And perhaps hardest of all—mental rest
But she’s doing better. And she’s finally speaking out, not just for herself, but for every athlete who’s ever felt pushed to the brink.
What This Means for Future Olympians
Simone’s story is more than just a personal testimony. It’s a blueprint for athlete wellness. Future Olympians (and their coaches) need to rethink training schedules, prioritize recovery, and respect mental boundaries. Otherwise, we’ll keep repeating the same dangerous cycle.
Fans React: Shock, Support, and Solidarity
Social media exploded after Biles’ confession. Fans flooded her with love:
“You’re more than a gymnast, Simone—you’re human and we love you for it.”
“Thank you for being vulnerable. It makes you stronger than ever.”
Clearly, Biles’ honesty struck a nerve—and sparked a global conversation about athlete health.
Why This Story Matters Beyond Sports
This isn’t just a sports story—it’s a human story. Whether you’re an athlete, a student, or just someone trying to juggle life, Biles’ collapse is a reminder: your health matters more than any medal.
Simone Biles: A Voice for Athlete Wellness
By sharing her struggles, Simone Biles is rewriting the narrative. She’s no longer just the GOAT on the mat—she’s a leader off it. She’s showing that true greatness includes vulnerability, rest, and knowing when to step back.
Final Thoughts: The Cost of Greatness
Simone Biles gave us Olympic glory in Paris—but at a steep personal cost. Her body collapsed, but her spirit didn’t. If anything, she’s more powerful than ever—because now, she’s not just flipping for gold; she’s fighting for balance. So the next time someone tells you to “push through it,” remember Simone. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is stop.
