There’s a chance Simone Biles won’t compete in the 2028 Olympics, and as much as that sentence seems unreal, there’s a reason why she’s undecided about it.
When Biles arrived at the 2024 Paris Olympics last year, there were many questions about whether it would be a repeat of the 2021 Tokyo Games. Unfortunately, Biles had to withdraw from competing due to the twisties or life-threatening gymnastics vertigo that prevents athletes from knowing where they are while in the air. But Paris was different. Biles walked away with three gold medals and a silver, solidifying her status as the GOAT of women’s gymnastics.
Rightfully, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics questions started. At the time, Biles said, “You never say never,” with a smile. But she might be more torn about being there than previously thought. Per Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated, Biles revealed what competing in the next Olympics must be about for her to return. “Life and death,” she explained. Here’s more from Biles about the decision:
“Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do—rather than to just be snobby and to try again, and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done.”
“If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences. But that’s also your decision to decide. What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”
