Simone Biles shared a surprising detail about the toll her body took during the Paris Olympics. In an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe published on April 21, Biles revealed that she fell ill after the Paris Olympics due to the demand on her body. “2028 seems so far away, and my body ages,” said Biles when discussing her plans for the Los Angeles Games.
Biles said she “felt it” last summer in Paris. “At the end of the competition, I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I got sick for 10 days,” she shared. The gold medalist said that because she’s already “accomplished so much” in gymnastics, she would “really need to be thrilled by it” to come back and compete in the 2028 Games. “So, to be honest, I don’t know. We’ll see,” said Biles. The Olympian confirmed she’ll be in attendance when the Olympics come to Los Angeles, but she’s still unsure if she’ll be competing for another medal or cheering on the next generation of gymnasts. “I will be there, whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still haven’t decided,” she said.
Biles also told the French newspaper she went “home to Chicago,” where her husband Jonathan Owens was playing for the Chicago Bears, after the Paris Games and “hid for a week.” The most decorated gymnast in Olympic history, Biles said she still deals with anxiety around her fame. “It’s still difficult to understand…Before, I was completely anonymous in a crowd, and that was a real blessing,” she explained. “Now, wherever I am, people recognize me, stop me, ask for my autograph, a photo…it’s weird to be known by everyone when you, yourself, don’t seek it out.”
The Aftermath of Greatness
Simone Biles — the name alone evokes images of gravity-defying flips, Olympic gold, and a legacy that’s unmatched in modern gymnastics. But behind the headlines and shiny medals lies a human being who just revealed that after the 2024 Paris Olympics, her body “literally collapsed.” In a rare and candid admission, Biles opens up about the physical toll, the emotional aftermath, and — surprisingly — her hints at a potential return for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. What really happened after Paris? Is this the end of her journey — or just the beginning of a new chapter? Let’s dive deep.
Simone Biles — The Gymnastics Icon Who Rewrote History
A Look Back at Biles’ Olympic Journey
From Rio 2016 to Tokyo 2020, and finally Paris 2024, Simone Biles has dominated the gymnastics world like no other. With multiple gold medals, pioneering moves named after her, and resilience that’s inspired millions, she’s in a league of her own.
The High Expectations in Paris
Coming back after a brief mental health hiatus post-Tokyo, Biles entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with a fierce determination — and eyes from around the world watching her every move. She didn’t disappoint.
A Powerful Performance Under Pressure
Despite the intense spotlight, Simone delivered. She secured medals and reminded the world why she’s considered the GOAT of gymnastics. But beneath that polished performance, something else was happening.
“My Body Literally Collapsed” — Biles’ Honest Confession
The Moment Everything Changed
In a post-Olympic interview, Biles dropped a bombshell:
“My body literally collapsed. I couldn’t move for a few days. I was drained — physically, mentally, emotionally.”
What Caused the Collapse?
This wasn’t just exhaustion. According to Biles, the cumulative toll of training, competing, travel, and pressure finally caught up to her.
Her body hit the wall — something she’s never publicly spoken about in such raw terms.
The Mental Toll That’s Often Overlooked
Let’s not forget — Simone’s a vocal advocate for mental health in sports. What we saw post-Tokyo was just the beginning. Paris brought renewed challenges — the pressure to be perfect, the fear of “letting down” fans, and the silent weight of expectation.
The Pressure to Perform — At What Cost?
Why Elite Athletes Are Hitting Breaking Points
In recent years, we’ve seen a trend: elite athletes speaking up about burnout, anxiety, and stress. Naomi Osaka. Michael Phelps. And now, Simone Biles.
Gymnastics — A Sport Demanding Perfection
Gymnastics isn’t just about skill. It’s about precision, timing, and split-second decisions in mid-air. One wrong move can mean injury — or worse.
Now imagine doing that under the world’s gaze, with expectations towering over you. That’s the reality Biles has lived for over a decade.
Is This the End? Or a New Beginning?
Her Hint at L.A. 2028
Despite her physical collapse, Biles didn’t shut the door on future Olympic appearances. In fact, she teased fans with a not-so-subtle hint:
“L.A. is still a few years away. We’ll see what happens.”
What Does That Even Mean?
Translation? She’s not done yet. Sure, she’s taking a break, letting her body recover — but the fire’s still there. And the idea of competing on home soil in Los Angeles might be the spark that keeps her going.
Rebuilding the Body, Rekindling the Spirit
The Recovery Phase Begins
For now, Biles is focusing on healing — physically and mentally. She’s prioritizing therapy, rest, nutrition, and slow training cycles.
Learning to Listen to Her Body
In her own words, “I’ve learned that rest is productive too.” She’s finally giving herself the grace she gives others — embracing balance over burnout.
Comeback Queens — The Power of Resilience
Why Simone Biles Represents More Than Just Medals
Simone isn’t just an athlete. She’s a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and courage. Her journey is proof that strength isn’t just in performance — it’s in vulnerability too.
Athletes Are Human Too
Her openness breaks the stigma around exhaustion in elite sports. It tells young athletes everywhere: It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to say “I need help.”
What L.A. 2028 Could Look Like for Biles
A Legacy-Driven Return
If she chooses to compete in 2028, it’ll be about legacy, not just medals. It’s her chance to compete on home turf, inspire future generations, and close her chapter on her own terms.
The Support System She Needs
With better mental health tools, coaching, and supportive fans, Biles could create a whole new narrative — one not rooted in pressure, but in purpose.
The Shift in Sports Culture Biles Is Leading
From Toughness to Truth
Biles’ story is helping redefine toughness in sports. It’s no longer about grinding till you break — it’s about knowing when to rest, reset, and come back stronger.
Mental Health Is Now a Priority
Thanks to voices like hers, mental wellness is no longer taboo. It’s essential. And that shift might be her biggest victory yet.
Final Thoughts — From Collapse to Comeback
Simone Biles has already given the world so much — talent, heart, courage, and now, honesty. Her collapse post-Paris wasn’t a failure. It was a wake-up call — not just for her, but for all of us watching.
Whether she returns for L.A. 2028 or not, one thing is clear: Simone Biles is far from done inspiring the world.
