After years of making history and redefining what’s possible in gymnastics, Simone Biles is contemplating a future that doesn’t revolve around medals or competitions. The 28-year-old superstar recently revealed she might not compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, choosing instead to prioritize her personal life and marriage.
In a candid interview with French sports outlet L’Équipe, Biles spoke openly about her evolving priorities. “I’m really trying to enjoy life — to spend time with my husband, support him at his games, and live my life as a woman,” she shared. “I’ve accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, it would really have to excite me.”
Biles, who tied the knot with NFL player Jonathan Owens in April 2023, is clearly embracing a new chapter. After years of balancing intense training schedules and competitions, the couple only recently managed to sneak away for a honeymoon in South Africa. With a home being built in Texas and talks of starting a family on the horizon — Simone once mentioned wanting two children, while Owens jokingly said he was aiming for a “football team” — it’s easy to understand why she’s considering slowing down.
Discussing the intense commitment that Olympic preparation demands, Biles made it clear that the journey to the Games is far more grueling than most realize. “A lot of people think it’s just a one-year commitment, but it truly is four years leading up to the Olympics,” she explained. Although the idea of competing on home soil in Los Angeles is exciting, Biles admitted, “If I’m going to compete again, I’m not so sure.”
Even after her stunning performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics — where she snagged three gold medals and a silver, breaking Shannon Miller’s record for the most Olympic medals won by an American gymnast — the wear and tear on her body has been undeniable. “I went back to the Olympic village, took the elevator, and my body literally collapsed,” she recalled. “I was sick for 10 days. The other day, we were sprinting in the garden with friends, and I had aches and pains for three days.”
While Simone Biles may not take to the competition floor in 2028, she does plan to be part of the festivities — whether that’s cheering from the stands or participating in another role remains to be seen.
“Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that,” she said. “But 2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris.”
For now, Biles is focused on savoring the life she’s worked so hard to build — and whatever she decides, her legacy is already firmly cemented.
