Simone Biles, one of the most celebrated gymnasts of all time, has achieved phenomenal success, becoming a seven-time Olympic medalist and a world champion with 11 medals. As she navigates her career after the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles has shared that she’s approaching the future with an open mind, neither committing to retirement nor ruling out the possibility of competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Biles’s resilience and journey in gymnastics have been a testament to her passion and discipline, yet they also reflect the complex pressures she has faced in her career. During the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Biles’s decision to step back from some events for her mental well-being highlighted the physical and mental toll that gymnastics takes. Her transparency about the intense psychological aspects of elite sports has helped to reshape public understanding of athletes’ well-being, as she emphasized the importance of mental health and the need to prioritize it.
After returning from Tokyo, she took time to recover mentally and physically. However, by 2023, she was back in competitive form, securing her place in the U.S. national team and ultimately competing in Paris. When asked about retirement now, Biles tends to take a humorous, lighthearted stance. She jokes about her age, pointing out that in the world of gymnastics, she is considered “old,” but she remains grounded and seems to enjoy keeping people guessing about her plans. In response to recurring questions about her future, Biles has even suggested that people should focus on the present rather than rushing to conclusions about what’s next.
In interviews and social media, Biles has expressed that she hopes to enjoy the accomplishments she’s worked so hard for rather than constantly looking toward retirement. Her passion for gymnastics appears to remain strong, and her physical form is as impressive as ever. Still, Biles has acknowledged that, while the 2028 Olympics are enticing, her decision to return would hinge on her physical readiness and personal desires at that time.
Biles’s achievements have made her a global icon, transcending gymnastics to influence broader conversations about athlete mental health, resilience, and self-care. After experiencing a difficult period in Tokyo, her comeback to world championships in 2023 and her success in Paris reinforced her status as a living legend and a model of perseverance in sports. Despite her achievements, Biles has expressed frustrations with the relentless media questions about her future, suggesting that she wants to live in the moment and appreciate her recent accomplishments fully.
Beyond gymnastics, Biles has started expanding her career and interests. She has recently embarked on ventures including a restaurant project in Houston and her own activewear line, signaling her ambition to create a legacy beyond sports. Through these endeavors, she aims to leave an impact that resonates outside the competitive arena, combining her athletic influence with entrepreneurial and philanthropic goals
Her ongoing career illustrates a mature and healthy approach to sports. Instead of succumbing to the intense expectations often placed on elite athletes, Biles has emphasized a balanced lifestyle that allows her to appreciate each stage of her journey. While she has yet to announce a definitive plan regarding retirement or future Olympic pursuits, she has left her options open, inspiring fans with her dedication to the sport and to herself.
Simone Biles has become more than an athlete; she is a symbol of resilience, strength, and autonomy in modern sports. Whether she continues on the road to Los Angeles or chooses to retire sooner, her legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and fans alike. Her approach to her career, shaped by personal boundaries, humor, and an evolving sense of purpose, speaks to a generation of athletes who aspire to achieve greatness on their own terms.