Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, added another incredible chapter to her legacy at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The American superstar dazzled fans with her phenomenal performances, securing three gold medals and a silver, bringing her overall Olympic medal tally to an astonishing 11. Yet despite this dominant showing, Biles remains undecided on whether she’ll pursue a fourth Olympic appearance — one that would take place in front of her home crowd at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Speaking candidly about her future, Biles emphasized the physical and mental toll elite gymnastics takes on athletes. Now 28, she admitted she’s still in recovery mode following the Paris Games.
“Right now, I’m still focusing on healing physically and mentally because the Olympics takes a toll on your body,” she explained. “I haven’t had much time to just enjoy life — hanging out with my family, my friends, my husband. So I’m really embracing this downtime before making a decision about returning to the gym.”
Biles also pointed out that preparing for the Olympics isn’t just a year-long commitment; it’s a four-year journey filled with sacrifices, discipline, and intense training. While the idea of competing on home soil in LA is exciting, she’s taking her time to reflect.
“I will definitely be at the Olympics,” she teased, “but whether I’m on the floor or in the stands — that’s still a big decision.”
The legendary gymnast was speaking after being honored at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where she was named World Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time — tying the record held by tennis icon Serena Williams. Biles used her acceptance speech to mark a special personal moment as well, celebrating her second wedding anniversary with husband Jonathan Owens. Though Owens couldn’t attend due to his training schedule with the Chicago Bears, Biles gave him a heartfelt shoutout during her speech.
The evening also shone a spotlight on another remarkable gymnast: Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who was named Comeback of the Year after returning from three ACL tears to achieve spectacular results in Paris. Andrade took home the gold on floor — ahead of Biles — as well as silver medals in vault and the all-around, finishing just behind the American.
Biles had nothing but admiration for her Brazilian rival, even suggesting Andrade might one day surpass her as the greatest gymnast of all time.
“Yes, I do think Rebeca will probably be better than me at some point,” Biles said, praising Andrade’s strength, resilience, and athleticism. “What she has overcome is truly inspiring. I’ve always loved competing against her because she pushes me to be my best.”
The respect is clearly mutual, with their ongoing rivalry bringing a fresh energy to the sport. Biles acknowledged that Andrade’s multiple ACL injuries have kept her from competing in several World Championships, but believes that had she been present, her medal count would be just as impressive.
With the future of Biles’ competitive career still uncertain, one thing is clear: her legacy is already secure. Whether she returns to the floor or cheers from the stands in LA, Simone Biles remains a true icon of sport — and an inspiration to athletes everywhere.