G.O.A.T. Simone Biles teased her return to the Olympics, but not in LA 2028…and not for gymnastics. Fans have been eagerly awaiting Biles’ decision on whether or not she will be a part of Team USA for the Los Angeles Olympics. But the beloved gymnast seemingly has other plans as she tries to master another sport: Ice skating. “Come with me to my first ice skating lesson,” Simone wrote over a TikTok video on Wednesday, December 3. “Today’s goal is to learn how to stop and skate backwards.”
The Return That Might Not Look Like What You Expect
Everybody who loves gymnastics—and maybe even a few who don’t—knows the name Simone Biles. After dominating the sport for years, she made a sensational comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But now, whispers, social-media stirrings, and a TikTok ice-skating lesson have ignited fresh speculation: maybe her next Olympic appearance won’t be on the vault or bars. Could it be something… different?
Let’s unpack what we know, what she’s hinted at, and why this might be one of the most intriguing Olympic “what ifs” in recent memory.
What Simone Has Actually Said About 2028 — And Why It’s So Ambiguous
Post-Paris Reflection: Body, Mind & The Price of Gold Medals
After Paris 2024, Biles didn’t just walk away with more golds — she walked away with serious physical and mental exhaustion. She admitted that once the medals were on, it hit her hard. Her body “collapsed” after returning to the Olympic village.
She went on to say that if she were to return, she’d only do it if she felt truly excited about it — not because she felt she had to.
That honesty alone set the tone: this isn’t about chasing records; it’s about purpose, health, and fulfillment.
The “Home Olympics” Temptation — But Also the Reality of Aging
With the 2028 Olympics slated for Los Angeles (her home country), many assumed that would be the “grand finale” — a home crowd, a perfect goodbye, a chance to end it on a high note. Biles hasn’t ruled it out. As she said, “Never say never.”
But she also acknowledges something too often forgotten: gymnasts age. By 2028, she’d be 31 — older than many of her peers historically.
And beyond that: she’s admitted that to come back and train at that level, she’d have to be really motivated. It’s not just the training — it’s sacrifices, time, family, and what’s left to prove.
This isn’t spinning a storyline. This is her being real about what it takes.
The TikTok Ice-Skating Lesson: Joke, Experiment — or Something More?
What Went Down: Ice Skates, Backward Slides, and a Viral Wink
Recently, she shared a TikTok video of her first-ever ice-skating lesson. She nailed the “stop” on her first try but admitted skating backward was trickier. Still, she had enough confidence to joke: “2028… figure skating?”
For many fans, it was a prank. For some, a fun diversion. But to others, a subtle signal — maybe she’s thinking beyond gymnastics, toward a winter-sport debut.
Why Some Believe This Could Be More Than a Joke
Because here’s the thing: winter sports are completely different. If she really did consider competing — or even showing up — on ice, that would be a bold pivot. One that could potentially land her in a winter Olympic spotlight.
Of course, there’s no confirmation. And realistically? She hasn’t trained seriously. But the mere idea? It gets people talking — and speculating. And speculation is often the first draft of a headline.
The Internal Debate — What Simone’s Heart and Body Might Be Telling Her
Physical Toll Isn’t a Joke — It’s Real
As gymnastics fans know, Biles has pushed the boundaries of difficulty so many times it’s almost hard to measure. But in Paris, she admitted just how heavy that position — mentally and physically — was. The aftermath: days of sickness, fatigue, soreness.
That’s not nothing. That’s years of hard work, melded into a few short Olympic minutes. And it adds up.
Could she commit to the training cycle of 2025–2028? Could she risk another round of pain and pressure? Maybe. Or maybe not.
Mentally — Where Does She Stand? Is It About Legacy or Life?
Biles has repeatedly emphasized that gymnastics needs to fit into her life — not consume it. She wants to enjoy time with her husband, live as a woman, and rebuild parts of her personal identity that got lost under leotards and medals.
There’s a bigger question she seems to be asking: What’s really worth it now? The gold? The accolades? Or something more grounded — balance, health, freedom.
That question might lead her back to the mat — or far away from it.
The Legacy Factor — What She’s Already Achieved and Why It’s Hard to Top
A Record That Few Could Imagine — And Even Fewer Surpass
By the time Paris 2024 concluded, Biles had built an Olympic legacy that few can rival. Multiple golds, countless records, and a reputation as perhaps the greatest gymnast ever.
When you’ve already done that — literally pushed the envelope of what’s humanly possible — what’s left?
That’s part of her hesitancy. Because chasing more might feel… redundant. Sometimes winning means knowing when to step off.
The Pull of New Chapters — Life Beyond Gymnastics
Even world-class athletes crave new chapters. For some, it’s coaching. For others, advocacy. For some, something totally different.
Biles — with her charisma, fame, and unmatched athletic résumé — has options. Media. Philanthropy. Sports commentary. Maybe an ice rink. Maybe a stable with horses. Maybe something we haven’t thought of.
For her, the question might not be “Can I still win gold?” but “What’s next — that actually matters to me?”
If She Does Return — What That Could Actually Look Like
Full Comeback — The Traditional Route
Sure, she could re-enter the ring, train hard, qualify, and compete — as we know her. But that doesn’t seem likely, unless she’s truly feeling it. She’d need to commit to intense training, manage wear and tear, and overcome the “aging gymnast” stereotype.
Specialist or Selective — Fewer Events, Lower Stress, High Impact
Maybe she doesn’t do the All-Around. Maybe she focuses on vault or floor — where her skills shine. Maybe she stops doing high-risk vaults (she has already retired her famous Yurchenko double pike) — and picks events that offer impact but less strain.
That path could balance ambition and health. She could show up, stand out — and still protect her body.
Not as Competitor — But Influencer, Mentor, or Ambassador
There’s also the third option: Show up in LA 2028 as a legend — not to compete, but to uplift. As a mentor. A promoter. An ambassador. Maybe even a media personality covering the games.
After all, she said she’ll be “there at some capacity.”
Who better to inspire a new generation than the greatest of all time, standing ringside with a wise smile and a knowing nod?
Why the Ice-Skating Joke Matters — Because It Changed the Narrative
It Shifted the Conversation from “If” to “How”
Before the TikTok clip, talk was mostly: “Will she return for LA 2028?” Now? It’s: “In what capacity?” Maybe gymnastics. Maybe not. Maybe ice skating — or something else entirely.
That shift matters. It reframes Biles not as a gymnast on hiatus, but as a multi-dimensional athlete exploring life beyond the mat.
A Sign of Reinvention — Or Just Humourous Play?
Was it a serious tease or a playful “why not”? It could be either. But the fact we’re even asking means she triggered curiosity. And curiosity fuels headlines, speculation, and hype.
And for someone who’s already earned everything in gymnastics — sometimes a little mystery is worth more than another medal.
What Fans & Experts Are Saying — Mixed Opinions, Clear Respect
On social media and forums, fans are torn: some hope she returns in full glory, others think she deserves peace. One Reddit user wrote:
“Obviously it’s her choice and I hope she chooses what makes her happy.”
Another said:
“Simone’s gonna be in the booth… home Olympics and she is one of the USA’s top Olympians.”
That sums it up: whether it’s competition or commentary, most agree — if she shows up, she’ll shine.
But many also acknowledged the toll and applauded her bravery for even considering stepping away on her own terms.
Legacy isn’t just medals — it’s dignity. And Biles seems deeply focused on maintaining both.
What It Means for 2028 — And Why We Should Care
A Possible Redefinition of Olympic Comebacks
If Biles returns — in gymnastics, ice skating, or another role — it could reshape how we think about athletic comebacks. No longer just about final hurrahs and records. But about longevity, choice, and personal evolution.
It might open the door for other legends to come back on their own terms — not necessarily chasing gold, but chasing purpose.
Inspiration Beyond Sport — Mental Health, Balance, Reinvention
Biles has already used her platform to speak about mental health, self-worth, and physical wellbeing. A deliberate comeback — or an elegant exit — could serve as another powerful message: you don’t have to burn out to become legend. Sometimes stepping back can be just as courageous as flipping forward.
That’s why we should care. Because it’s not just gymnastics. It’s about life after the spotlight, and what success looks like when there’s more than one way to win.
Conclusion: The Mystery Isn’t Frustrating — It’s Empowering
Here’s the truth: we don’t know exactly what 2028 — or even next year — looks like for Simone Biles. She might compete. She might skate. She might simply show up as a legend in the stands.
But maybe that’s the beauty of it. After everything she’s accomplished — from twists, flips, and double pikes — she’s earned the right to write her own ending. Or her own next chapter.
Whether she returns to gymnastics, picks up ice skates, or just enjoys life with her family, one thing remains clear: she’s still the GOAT. And the world will watch — because when Simone moves, magic happens.
