Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, has stated that she is still unsure about competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. At 28, Biles has indicated that she has other priorities and is aware of the physical demands her sport imposes, especially at her age, when most elite gymnasts have already retired. Biles, who would be 31 at the Los Angeles Games, recalled that the longest-reigning Olympic champion in women’s gymnastics was Maria Gorokhovskaya, who won gold in 1952 at age 30.

Biles prioritizes her personal life and fitness

In an interview with French sports daily ‘L’Equipe’ before the Laureus Awards in Madrid, – where Biles was named Sportswoman of the Year – Biles expressed her desire to enjoy her personal life more. “I’m trying to enjoy life, spend time with my husband [NFL player Jonathan Owens], support him in his games and live my life as a woman. I’ve accomplished so much in my sport that, to come back, it would have to be something I’m really excited about.”

Biles also noted that many people underestimate the time and effort it takes to prepare for the Olympics. “A lot of people think it’s a one-year commitment, but it’s really the four years leading up to the Games,” she explained. While she finds it exciting that the Games will be held in the United States, she’s not sure about competing again.

10 days sick after Paris 2024

Biles confirmed she will attend the Los Angeles Games, but doesn’t know in what capacity. “Whether it’s on the [gymnastics] apparatus or in the stands, I don’t know yet. But 2028 seems so far away…and my body is getting older. I felt it in Paris.” At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Biles won three gold medals and one silver, bringing her total to seven golds and 11 Olympic medals overall. However, she admitted that her body suffered under the pressure of competition. “I came back to the Olympic village, took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days,” she recounted.