When Simone Biles returned after the 2024 Paris Olympics, speculations ran wild. One assumption that was thrown around was Biles’ possible retirement. The world wondered if it was time for the queen of gymnastics to put down her crown. Biles is just 27! So why were people so eager to see her retire? Biles, herself, gave some insight, saying, “Because, in gymnastics, the longevity has never ever been there.”
Although Biles understands where the question might emerge from, she went on to acknowledge, “This isn’t normal what we’re doing.” Of course, it isn’t normal! The journey Biles traversed from withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics to having one of the greatest comebacks with three golds in Paris is nothing short of superhuman. Interestingly, Biles is one of four female artistic gymnasts in history to have competed in three Olympics. Which also makes her highly qualified to deal with pressure.
But as she reflected on her Olympic experience with NESN, Simone Biles went on to reveal something else. “It’s funny because as soon as you finish the Olympics, they’re like, ‘What’s next?’ and I’m like, ‘Damn, I can’t even relish in this moment and be so grateful for the opportunity to compete on a world stage again at an Olympic Games’ and just to celebrate my success. You guys just want to know what’s next,” said Biles, tired of the questioning. Relish, she must!
Biles did not just make a comeback after all; she shook the world. After her disappointing phase in Tokyo, many speculated it would be the last of her. Biles, as always, defied those expectations and casually won four medals in Paris. “So right now, it’s working on my mental and physical health before I make any commitments because, again, for gymnastics, it’s not like we have an off-season. As soon as we start training, we’re in for the long haul for those three to four years,” added Biles. Everything was answered, but one big question still looms at large.
So, where does Biles stand regarding retirement? “You know, you never say never… The next Olympics is on home turf… So you just never know,” she said, keeping the intrigue alive. The future is unwritten for Biles, but she accidentally put it into words recently. In response to a fan, Simone Biles wrote on X, “I haven’t retired though.” Well, there you have it, folks. Biles is not done just yet. However, what makes the rumors of retirement exciting is that Biles has been anything but idle after her Paris!