There is widespread curiosity regarding the future plans of 11-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles following the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 27-year-old gymnast has grown weary of repeatedly facing the same inquiry—one she has encountered numerous times since her remarkable achievement of winning four medals in Paris, which comprised three golds (team, all-around, vault) and one silver (floor exercise).
What Biles is prepared to discuss, however, is her readiness to retire from gymnastics. This is a consideration she has been reflecting on, especially now that she is married to Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, with whom she has had conversations about starting a family in the near future.
In a recent chat with NESN, Biles shared her reflections on retirement and her future in gymnastics.
“Gymnastics has never been known for its longevity,” Biles mentioned to NESN. “Over the past five to six years, we’ve really been stretching those limits with the right training and recovery. So, I understand why people are curious about my retirement; what we’re achieving isn’t typical. Now, I’m thinking, ‘I could keep going for another eight years’ or something along those lines.”
Individuals are eager to ascertain what the future holds in order to be the first to disseminate that information. Consequently, my current focus is on prioritizing my mental and physical well-being before making any commitments. It is important to note that in gymnastics, there is no designated offseason. Once training commences, we are committed for an extended period, typically spanning three to four years.
Regarding international competition, Biles has already established her legacy.
She is the most decorated gymnast in history, boasting a total of 41 medals (30 from World Championships and 11 from the Olympics). Furthermore, she has achieved more Olympic medals than any other gymnast from the United States in the history of the sport.
If Biles decides to make her final appearance at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, she has the chance to achieve some remarkable milestones that would enhance her already impressive career.
She only requires two additional gold medals to match Larisa Latynina’s record for the most ever by a female gymnast. Additionally, she is just one medal shy of claiming the second-most medals in history among female gymnasts.
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