The most decorated gymnast in history, Simone Biles, has expressed uncertainty about competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, citing concerns over the physical demands and personal sacrifices required for another Olympic cycle.
Speaking after receiving the World Sportswoman of the Year award at the 25th anniversary Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Tuesday, Biles shared that she will definitely be at the Los Angeles Olympics, but is still undecided about competing. “If I’m going to compete again, I’m not sure yet. But I will be at the Olympics, whether it’s on the floor or in the stands,” she said.
At 28 years old, Biles revealed that she is currently focused on her physical and mental recovery after the Paris 2024 Summer Games, where she made a triumphant return and won three gold medals and a silver, following a three-year break from the sport. “I haven’t had much time because I’ve sacrificed so much to spend time with my family, friends, and my husband,” she explained. “I’m really enjoying my time off before deciding if I want to return to the gym and compete. Many people think it’s just a one-year commitment, but in reality, it’s four years of preparation leading up to the Olympics.”
In a recent interview with the French newspaper L’Équipe, seven-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles shared that after returning to the Olympic Village, her body “literally collapsed,” resulting in a 10-day illness. Even simple activities, such as running with friends, left her dealing with extended discomfort. These experiences have made her increasingly aware of the difficulties in maintaining peak physical form as she ages. However, she has frequently expressed her desire to shift focus toward her personal life and spend more time with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.
Biles also praised Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who claimed gold in the Women’s Floor event at the Paris Olympics and finished just behind Biles with second-place finishes in the Women’s Artistic Individual All-Around and Women’s Vault events.
“She’s incredible. What she’s achieved is so inspiring,” Biles remarked about the 25-year-old Andrade. “I can’t believe she came back from three injuries over the past few years. I love competing against her, she pushes me to improve. We get along really well, and honestly, if it weren’t for those injuries, she’d probably have as many medals as I do.”
