Everyone wants to know what’s next for 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles now that the 2024 Paris Olympics are over.
But the 27-year-old gymnast is tired of being asked that very question — the same question she’s been asked countless times since her four-medal triumph in Paris that included three golds (team, all around, vault) and one silver (floor exercise).
But Biles what will talk about is whether or not she’s ready to retire from gymnastics — something she’s contemplated now that she’s married to Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens and the two have talked about having children in the not-too-distant future.
During a recent interview with NESN, Biles discussed her thought process when it comes to retirement and what’s next for her gymnastics career.
“In gymnastics, the longevity has never ever been there,” Biles told NESN. “I think these last five to six years, we’re really pushing that past our boundaries with the proper training and recovery. So, I do think it’s not unnatural for people to be asking (me) about retirement because this isn’t normal what we’re doing. Now, we’re like, ‘I could go for like eight more years’ or whatever that may be.
“Everyone just wants to know what’s next to be the first to report it, and so, right now, it’s working on my mental and physical health before I make any commitments. Again, for gymnastics it’s not like we have an offseason. As soon as we start training, we’re in the for the long haul for those three to four years.”
Aug 1, 2024; Paris, France; Simone Biles of the United States competes on the floor exercise in the womenís gymnastics all-around during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Bercy Arena.
Jack Gruber-Imagn Images
As far as international competition goes, Biles has nothing left to prove.
She’s already the most-decorated gymnast of all time with her 41 combined medals (30 World Championship, 11 Olympic), and she has won more Olympic medals than any other U.S. gymnast in the sport’s history.
However, if Biles were to compete one last time at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, there are a few notable accomplishments she could add to her already sterling resume.
Biles needs just two more gold medals to tie Larisa Latynina for the most all-time for a female gymnast. She’s also one more medal away from having sole possession of the second-most medals among female gymnasts.