Simone Biles acknowledges the persistent speculation surrounding her potential participation in the 2028 Olympics, a question she herself is still grappling with.
“I’m like ’Oh my gosh, I don’t know what the decision (is) I should make, but I don’t necessarily have to make it just yet,” Biles told The Associated Press. “But I feel like it’s kind of in the works which way I’m leaning towards.”
The allure of competing on the world stage at home in Los Angeles in 2028 is a significant draw for the American gymnastics icon, who has already competed in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Paris. Several of her Olympic teammates, including Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey, are also looking towards the LA Games. Katelyn Ohashi, a former UCLA star, has also returned to elite competition.
“I know (athletes) are going a lot longer, and I’m just like, what the hell? It’s going to be like a big reunion if I did,” Biles said. “It would be so much fun. But I still have to weigh the options.”
As she approaches her 31st birthday by the time the 2028 Games commence, Biles recognizes that a potential fourth Olympic run would involve different sacrifices than her previous experiences. Factors such as starting a family with her husband, Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens, and the potential impact of training on reproductive health are significant considerations. The possibility of extended separations from Owens while training also weighs on her.
“I am getting to the age of 30 where we start to talk about, ’What does your reproduction cycle ... what’s going on in there? What does that look like? How healthy is it? And so I think these are major things that are on the table at my age that I have to take in consideration and weigh those options and what that looks like and when we want to start a family.”
Despite these considerations, the prospect of a home Olympic Games, or the “fear of missing out,” is palpable.
“Like a home Olympic Games, like, how could you not?” she said. “It’s absolutely incredible.”
In the two years since her performance in Paris, where she became the third woman to win multiple all-around Olympic golds, Biles has focused on other aspects of her life and advocacy. She has remained involved in causes such as foster care and ADHD awareness.
Recently, Biles participated in a campaign addressing inflammatory skin conditions, an issue personal to her. She has managed seborrheic dermatitis and eczema, which at times led to scratching until she bled. She now uses a steroid-free treatment that has provided relief and does not interfere with her athletic options.
Reflecting on her physical capabilities, Biles recently performed a double layout in a gym setting, finding it less daunting than anticipated. “I’m like, ‘If I get lost, like, it’s over,’” Biles said. “And then I did it. And of course I was like, what the hell? That wasn’t that bad. Like, I wasn’t as scared as I thought I was going to be. And that scared me more with the decision.”
She also shared a lighthearted exchange with teammate Joscelyn Roberson, who playfully urged her to enjoy retirement. “She’s trying to remind me, like, ‘Hey babes, you’re good. Remember, you don’t have to come back. Stay at your house and stay with your husband,’” Biles recounted with a laugh.
Biles has also spoken with skier Lindsey Vonn about the unique pressures of Olympic comebacks. While acknowledging the possibility of returning, Biles maintains she is at peace with her past accomplishments and will only compete again if she has a compelling reason.
“I’ve experienced so much and I’d done so much, so it’s like, I also have to be doing it for the right reasons,” she said. “I feel really, really comfortable with what I’ve done in the sport. So I just have to sit down and be like ‘Why? Why am I doing it?’ Because there has to be a good reason.”