In Paris, the legendary gymnast increased her Olympic medal count to an impressive 11.
Simone Biles showcased her brilliance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, capturing gold in the team, all-around, and vault events, alongside a silver in the floor exercise. These achievements brought her Olympic medal total to an impressive 11, further solidifying her legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history, with 30 World Championship medals to her nameโa record unmatched in the sport.
Her victories in Paris symbolized a remarkable comeback after the challenges she faced during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she made headlines for prioritizing her mental health and stepping back from multiple events. This resurgence not only highlighted her resilience but also underscored her continued dominance in gymnastics.
Simone Bilesโ triumphant return in 2024 captivated the world, earning her the prestigious ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete and the title of Sports Illustratedโs Sportsperson of the Year. Her incredible achievements also placed her as the runner-up for the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, narrowly surpassed by Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark.
Will she play in the 2028 Olympics
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Biles reflected on the demands of another Olympic journey, considering her age, personal goals, and the sacrifices such a decision would entail.
“Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done,” she shared.
She elaborated further, saying, “If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences. But that’s also your decision to decide. What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like prom, college. Now it’s like starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”
Bilesโ husband, Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, has been a steadfast source of support throughout her career. While she has previously left the possibility of competing in 2028 openโespecially with the Games being on home soilโher latest remarks suggest she is increasingly at peace with the legacy she has already cemented.