Updated
For many elite athletes, representing their country at the Olympic Games is a dream. Having the competition take place at home makes that opportunity even more special.
For Simone Biles, Los Angeles 2028 could offer the perfect chance to say goodbye to the sport that brought her worldwide recognition and close one of the most important chapters of her life on a high note, regardless of the results. However, the gymnast has made no commitment to returning, and she is avoiding the subject whenever questions arise. One reason could explain her reluctance to discuss it: her mental health.
Simone Biles embraces method dressing in London with a special touch for Jonathan Owens
The pressure surrounding a potential comeback could be overwhelming, regardless of which decision she makes. If Biles has already made up her mind, keeping it private would allow her to avoid the outside opinions that would inevitably follow. Her experience at the Tokyo Olympics showed how intense that scrutiny can become when she stepped away from competition to prioritize her well-being.
A comeback comes with more than sporting pressure
When Biles withdrew from events in Tokyo, she faced widespread criticism, despite the importance of protecting her mental and physical health. Her decision put the well-being of athletes back in the spotlight, and another Olympic campaign would bring its own demands. Whatever Biles decides, her health remains more important than expectations about what she should do next.
For Simone Biles, Los Angeles 2028 could offer the perfect chance to say goodbye
For now, Biles appears focused on her relationship with Jonathan Owens and exploring opportunities in fashion and social media. Still, speculation about her future in gymnastics continues as attention shifts to the next generation of athletes competing at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The next generation takes center stage
With several veterans who have dominated American women's gymnastics absent from the competition, Rotterdam offers newcomers a chance to build their credentials. But with two years remaining before the Summer Olympics, attention is also turning to the gymnasts who are not there, particularly Biles, who has not competed since the Paris Games in 2024.
Biles has not competed since the Paris Games in 2024.
In Paris, Biles won team, all-around and vault gold, along with silver on floor. Her absence from competition since then may raise doubts about whether she will be ready for Los Angeles, but there is still time before the next Olympics. Meanwhile, Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, who beat Biles for floor gold in Paris and took silver behind her in the all-around, is set to return to competition in Rotterdam.
Biles has yet to indicate whether she intends to compete again, leaving the question of a home Olympics comeback unanswered. With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, the possibility remains open, but for now, she is not giving the public a clear answer.