Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history, has hinted that her career might soon come to an end. In an interview with Sports Illustrated published on Thursday, the 27-year-old reflected on her journey and the possibility of retiring from Olympic competition.
“Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again, and for what?” Biles shared. “I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done.”
Her words come not too long after a stunning performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she clinched three gold medals in the team final, all-around final, and vault final, as well as a silver in the floor final. With seven golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, Biles’ Olympic legacy is unparalleled.
However, the decision to continue competing isn’t straightforward. “If you go back [to the Olympics], you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences,” Biles said. “But that’s also your decision to decide. What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”
Named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, Biles admitted she’s not yet ready to fully grasp her impact on gymnastics. “I don’t think the reality has set in of what I’ve exactly done in the sport,” she said. “I can see it, and I hear it from people, and I see a glimpse of it, but the full magnitude I don’t think I’ve realized just yet. I don’t think I’ll realize ’til maybe I retire and look back in a couple years like, ‘Damn, she was good.’ Because I can see that, but I do it every day. So for me, it’s normal.”
Main Image: Axios
