Olympic Storylines: Will Simone Biles Compete in LA28?

By Jayson Panganiban July 10, 2025 09:54 GMT+4 min read

As the countdown to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begins, one of the most compelling storylines centers on whether Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, will compete on home soil. At 28, Biles remains a towering figure in gymnastics, yet her future participation in the Games is uncertain, reflecting a complex interplay of physical demands, personal priorities, and evolving ambitions.

Biles has openly shared that she has not made a definitive decision about competing in LA28. In a candid interview with French sports outlet L’Équipe, she emphasized that her return to competition would require genuine excitement and motivation. “I’m trying to enjoy life, travel, spend time with my husband, and really live as a woman,” Biles said. “To return, it would have to be something that genuinely excites me”.

Her physical condition is a significant factor in this uncertainty. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Biles once again demonstrated her dominance by securing three gold medals and a silver, bringing her total Olympic medal count to an unprecedented 11. However, she also revealed the toll the sport takes on her body. After the Games, she described collapsing from exhaustion and battling soreness that lingered even during simple activities like sprinting with friends. “I was sick for days. Even after sprinting in the backyard with friends, I was sore for three days,” she recalled.

Biles’s journey has also been marked by her advocacy for mental health, a cause she continues to champion regardless of her competitive status. “I am very proud of the work accomplished to reach this point,” she said. “I will continue to be the voice of the voiceless”. This commitment underscores her impact beyond gymnastics, influencing conversations around athlete well-being worldwide.

The 2028 Olympics hold special significance as they will take place in the United States, offering Biles a unique opportunity to compete before a home crowd. Yet, she remains realistic about the challenges ahead. “The Games are still so far away,” she noted. “My body is changing, and I felt it in Paris”. This acknowledgment of aging and physical limits adds nuance to her decision-making process.

Biles also expressed respect for the new generation of gymnasts rising through the ranks, including Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade, who pushed Biles to new heights. “The sport doesn’t need both of us,” she said. “A new generation is already on the rise”. This perspective suggests Biles is considering a graceful transition, potentially stepping back to allow emerging talents to flourish.

While fans and analysts eagerly await her final decision, Biles has confirmed she will be present at the 2028 Games in some capacity, whether as a competitor or a supporter. This presence alone will be a powerful symbol of her enduring legacy.

In summary, Simone Biles’s potential participation in LA28 remains an open question shaped by her health, personal growth, and evolving relationship with gymnastics. Her words reflect a thoughtful athlete weighing the demands of elite competition against a desire for a fulfilling life beyond the sport. As she herself said, “Whether I will be competing or watching from the stands, I still don’t know”.

Whatever path she chooses, Biles’s impact on gymnastics and sport at large is undeniable, and her story will continue to inspire as the 2028 Olympics approach.