Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has reignited speculation about her future by not ruling out competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
After a glittering performance in Paris last summer, it was widely assumed that Biles would call time on her memorable Olympic career.
However, the 28-year-old has suggested that this may not be the end of the road for her in Olympic competition.
Simone Biles Olympic return: ‘Never say never’
The 11-time Olympic medalist is currently in Australia, where she was asked about the possibility of LA 2028 at the Ready25 conference.
Biles hinted: “Never say never,” in a short answer that left reporters with a million questions as she fuelled speculation.
Her response was atypically anticlimactic; however, it has the world in limbo on whether we could see Biles participate in a rare fourth Olympic Games in her home nation.
If she is at the Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles, she would add another chapter to her almighty record book by becoming the first American gymnast to compete in four consecutive Olympics.
An appearance in 2028 would undoubtedly seal her place as one of the most accomplished athletes in history.
Simone Biles’ dominance unmasked
Biles’ career already has near mythical status, and the gymnast hasn’t even reached 30 years of age.
At Paris 2024, she again wowed in gymnastics events as she added three more Olympic Gold medals to take her total to seven, and she could yet add more.
Her successes in Paris followed the pandemic-delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Biles showed her strength outside of the arena by stepping back from the sport for mental health reasons – sparking global conversations and increasing mental health awareness.
Biles’ World Championships record is even more impressive, with 23 Gold medals since her debut in 2013 to her most recent win in 2023.
Both her first and last World Championship gold medals were won in Antwerp, Belgium, where she’s claimed six golds in total.
How much preparation goes into an Olympic Games?
The road to an Olympic Games is gruelling, and while a home Olympics would make for a fairytale farewell, it’s unlikely she would feature if she didn’t feel she could challenge for gold.
It’s no secret that the weight of expectation, pressure and four years of heavy preparation has taken its toll on Biles in the past.
Yet, she was still utterly dominant in Paris, showing the world she remains capable of mixing it with the best gymnasts in the world.
Why is Simone Biles in Australia?
The American gymnast is not in Australia to compete, and it’s her first trip to the country.
She’s using the trip as a much-needed vacation while giving speeches at the Ready25 conference in Sydney to motivate and inspire young emerging gymnasts.
Biles has spent time sightseeing and even visiting the reptiles at Sydney Wildlife Park.
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