American gymnastics icon Simone Biles is at a crossroads as she contemplates her future in the sport and the possibility of competing in the 2028 Olympic Games, set to take place in Los Angeles. The two-time Olympic all-around champion admits that the question of whether she will make one more run for Olympic gold haunts her, even waking her up at night. Biles shared her indecision with The Associated Press, noting that she does not need to make a decision immediately, but she feels more clarity about her leaning.
After having already competed in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, the allure of performing at home in Los Angeles is significant. Her Olympic teammates, including Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey, are already focusing on LA, which adds to her enthusiasm. Biles mentioned that the idea of a “big reunion” in 2028 amongst fellow athletes is appealing, but she acknowledges the need to weigh her options carefully.
Another significant factor in her decision-making process is the age at which she would be competing. By the time the Olympics commence in July 2028, Biles will be 31 years old. This raises questions about the sacrifices required to push for a fourth Olympic appearance, which differ considerably from her previous experiences a decade ago. Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens, expressed their desire to start a family, which necessitates consideration of how rigorous training may impact her reproductive health and the potential for extended periods away from her husband during competition prep.
As Biles turns 30, discussions surrounding her reproductive health become more pertinent. She noted the importance of considering “what does your reproduction cycle look like” and the associated health implications, which adds to the complexity of her decision regarding a comeback.
The fear of missing out on competing in her home country is palpable. Biles expressed how special it would be to have a home Olympic Games, emphasizing the uniqueness of the experience. In the past two years since her historic performance in Paris, where she became only the third woman to win multiple all-around golds, Biles has taken a break from the sport. During this time, she has embraced the opportunities that come with being a recognizable figure in the U.S. Olympic movement, dedicating her attention to various causes such as mental health, foster care, and ADHD advocacy.
Biles has also become involved in the “Skin to Believe In” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about inflammatory skin conditions affecting approximately 36 million Americans. After being diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and eczema, Biles struggled with severe scalp issues that required her to find effective treatment options. She currently uses a steroid-free foam and cream that has proven effective, allowing her to keep the possibility of a return to competition open.
Recently, while training with her sister Adria, Biles attempted a double layout, which reminded her of her capabilities and sparked some hesitation about her comeback plans. Biles joked about how some athletes might prefer her to stay retired to lessen their competition burden, reflecting on the challenging dynamics of returning to elite gymnastics.
In discussions with fellow Olympic athletes like Lindsey Vonn, Biles is aware of the psychological and physical challenges associated with elite athletics. She insists she would be at peace, regardless of whether she officially retires or competes again, emphasizing the importance of having a clear purpose behind her decision. Biles is hesitant to make a return unless she can clearly define the reasons motivating her comeback, as she assesses whether she can balance the physical demands of gymnastics with her personal goals and well-being.
