Simone Biles is unsure whether she will compete at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
For now, the most decorated gymnast of all time has other priorities and is listening to her body, too.
“I’m really trying to enjoy life, to spend time with my husband [Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens], go support him at his games, live my life as a woman,” she said in an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe published on Tuesday. “I’ve accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, it would really have to excite me.”
The 28-year-old American will be in Los Angeles for the Games but does not yet know in which capacity.
“Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that,” she told L’Equipe. “But 2028 seems so far away, and my body is aging. I felt it in Paris.”
The American gymnast won three gold medals and a silver at the Paris Olympics, taking her Olympic career tally to seven golds and 11 medals overall.
But her body cracked from the strain.
“I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days,” she said, before recounting another experience. “The other day, we were sprinting in the garden with friends, I had aches and pains for three days. So, I honestly don’t know. We’ll see.”
She praised her rival, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, for recovering from injury and for “pushing me beyond my limits,” but also said gymnastics no longer needs both of them.
“It only needs one of us, no? Especially since [Andrade] will not be alone,” Biles said. “A young generation will knock at the door and everything will start again.”
The interview took place before Monday’s Laureus Awards in Madrid, where Biles was named sportswoman of the year.
Whatever she decides regarding her career, Biles will continue to speak about mental health.
“I am very proud of the work accomplished to reach this point,” she said, “and I will continue to be the voice of the voiceless.”
