Simone Biles has said she is ’50-50′ on competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, telling CNN Sports in an interview aired on Thursday, 29 April, that the LA28 home Games are on her mind but that a looming ‘time crunch’ and her mental health will ultimately decide whether she returns.
Biles is already the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history, with 11 medals, and has lived more than one sporting lifetime in the space of a decade. She withdrew from multiple events at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021 after experiencing the ‘twisties,’ a terrifying loss of spatial awareness in mid‑air, and later spoke openly about the pressure she felt and the mental health crisis that followed. She returned to Olympic competition in Paris in 2024, where she last competed, but the idea of stretching her career through another four‑year cycle is a different calculation altogether.
LA28 Decision Puts Simone Biles On The Clock
Asked directly by CNN whether she intends to compete at LA28, the 29‑year‑old did not pretend to have a carefully crafted roadmap. ‘I feel like we’re still at a 50‑50,’ she said, adding that with the sporting calendar already edging towards the midpoint of 2026, the window for a serious LA28 push is narrowing.
Will Simone Biles return for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles? It’s the question echoing across gyms, sports networks, and social media feeds worldwide. After redefining what’s possible in gymnastics, Biles now faces a different kind of challenge—time itself.
And here’s the twist: she’s not ruling it out.
But she’s also not promising anything.
Let’s unpack what’s really going on.
The Legacy That Makes the Question So Big
More Than Medals—A Cultural Icon
Simone Biles isn’t just another Olympic gymnast. She’s a once-in-a-generation athlete who reshaped the sport with gravity-defying routines and unmatched consistency.
With multiple Olympic gold medals and a record-breaking number of World Championship titles, she’s already secured her place in history. So when someone like her hints at a possible return, it’s not just news—it’s a global event.
Why Her Comeback Matters
If Biles competes in 2028, it won’t just be another appearance. It would symbolize longevity, resilience, and evolution in a sport that often favors youth over experience.
What Biles Actually Said About 2028
The ‘Time Crunch’ Reality
Biles recently opened up about the possibility of competing in the 2028 Olympics—and one phrase stood out: “time crunch.”
She acknowledged that preparing for another Olympic run would require immense dedication, both physically and mentally. Gymnastics isn’t a sport you casually return to. It demands precision, conditioning, and relentless training.
Not a No… But Not a Yes
Here’s the key takeaway: she didn’t shut the door.
Instead, she left it slightly open—just enough to keep fans hopeful but grounded in reality.
Age and Gymnastics—A Changing Narrative
Breaking the “Too Old” Myth
Traditionally, female gymnasts peak in their late teens or early twenties. By 2028, Biles would be in her early 30s—an age once considered “retirement territory” in gymnastics.
But times are changing.
Experience Over Youth
Athletes today are extending their careers thanks to better training methods, recovery science, and mental health awareness. Biles herself has already challenged outdated norms.
Could she do it again?
Absolutely. But it won’t be easy.
The Physical Demands of a Comeback
Training at an Elite Level
Returning to Olympic-level gymnastics isn’t like getting back into jogging after a break. It’s more like rebuilding a high-performance machine from scratch.
Every muscle, every movement, every landing must be perfect.
Injury Risks
Let’s be real—gymnastics is brutal on the body. The older you get, the longer recovery takes, and the higher the risk of injury.
Biles would need to carefully balance training intensity with long-term health.
Mental Health—A Central Piece of the Puzzle
Lessons from Tokyo
During the Tokyo Olympics, Biles made headlines for prioritizing her mental health. That moment reshaped how the world views athletes.
And it still matters today.
A Different Kind of Preparation
If she returns in 2028, it won’t just be about physical readiness. Mental strength, balance, and well-being will play an even bigger role.
Life Beyond Gymnastics
Personal Goals and New Priorities
Since her last Olympic appearance, Biles has embraced life outside the gym—marriage, advocacy work, and personal growth.
These aren’t small commitments. They’re life-defining.
The Cost of Coming Back
Choosing to compete again means sacrificing time, energy, and focus. It’s not just a career decision—it’s a life decision.
The Home Advantage of Los Angeles 2028
Competing on Home Soil
The 2028 Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, giving American athletes a unique advantage.
For Biles, this could be a powerful motivator.
A Storybook Ending?
Imagine this: one final Olympic run, in front of a home crowd, closing out an already legendary career.
It’s the kind of narrative that feels almost too perfect.
What Fans and Experts Are Saying
A Divided Opinion
Some believe Biles has nothing left to prove and should retire at the top. Others argue that her experience and skill could still dominate the field.
The Power of Influence
Regardless of her decision, Biles continues to inspire millions. Her impact goes far beyond medals.
Could She Actually Do It?
The Short Answer
Yes—if she chooses to.
The Real Answer
It depends on several factors:
- Physical readiness
- Mental preparedness
- Personal priorities
- Time commitment
The “time crunch” she mentioned isn’t just about the calendar. It’s about aligning all these elements.
What a 2028 Comeback Would Mean for Gymnastics
Redefining Longevity
If Biles competes—and succeeds—it could redefine what’s possible in gymnastics careers.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Young athletes would see that success isn’t limited by age, but shaped by dedication and smart choices.
The Clock Is Ticking
Preparation Timeline
Olympic preparation isn’t a last-minute decision. Athletes typically train for years leading up to the Games.
Decision Window
If Biles is seriously considering 2028, she’ll need to commit sooner rather than later.
Why This Decision Feels Different
Not About Proving Anything
Biles doesn’t need another medal to validate her greatness.
It’s About Passion
At this stage, the decision comes down to one question:
Does she still want it?
The Emotional Side of a Possible Return
Fans’ Expectations
Fans are hopeful—but expectations can be heavy.
Writing Her Own Ending
Biles has always done things her way. If she returns, it will be on her terms.
Final Signals to Watch
Training Updates
Keep an eye on her training intensity and public appearances.
Official Announcements
When Biles decides, she’ll make it clear.
Until then, speculation will continue.
Conclusion: A Future Still Unwritten
So, is Simone Biles competing in 2028?
Right now, the answer is beautifully uncertain.
She’s standing at a crossroads—one path leading to a peaceful legacy, the other to a dramatic return under the bright lights of Los Angeles.
The “time crunch” is real. But so is her potential.
Whether she chooses to step back onto the Olympic stage or not, one thing is certain: Simone Biles has already changed gymnastics forever.
And maybe… just maybe… she’s not done yet.