Simone Biles Shares Reason She’s ’50-50′ About Competing in 2028 Olympics

Simone Biles, the celebrated American gymnast, has recently disclosed her uncertainty regarding participation in the 2028 Summer Olympics, which are slated to take place in Los Angeles. In an enlightening interview with CNN Sports, Biles articulated her current indecision, stating, “I feel like we’re still at a 50-50,” suggesting a balanced conflict between her aspirations and the challenges she faces, particularly concerning her mental health.

As the countdown to 2028 continues, Biles highlighted the urgency involved in making her decision, noting, “Now it’s almost half of 2026, so we’re gonna have to make these decisions pretty quickly.” Her reflections stem from a dedicated commitment to her well-being, an aspect she considers crucial for any future competition. The Olympian has made mental health a priority in her life, especially following her withdrawal from several events during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to the distressing phenomenon known as the ‘twisties.’

In the same interview, Biles acknowledged the pivotal role that mental health plays in her overall performance. She emphasised that despite her physical capabilities and the support she receives from her coaches, the mental strain of competing at such high levels cannot be underestimated. “Mental health plays a big role in it because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape,” she said. “But mental is a huge thing… the road’s not easy. It’s long, but it’s still work.”

Reflecting upon her experience during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles revealed how it transformed her perspective on mental health issues in sports. She described her decision to speak openly about her struggles as “a real pivotal moment,” and noted the importance of sparking a global conversation on mental health within athletic communities. “It showed realness to me because everyone thought I was a robot,” she added, underlining her desire to convey her humanity beyond the reputation of a perfect athlete.

Biles also mentioned the positive outcomes stemming from her experience, specifically the therapy she sought in the aftermath. Currently, participating in ongoing therapy, she has come to view her mental health journey as a sign of courage rather than weakness, a shift in perspective that she believes is essential in changing the stigma surrounding mental health in sports.

At present, the 29-year-old gymnast is still on sabbatical from competitive gymnastics as she allows her body the necessary time to recover after her performances in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She spoke candidly about her need to reintegrate training into her routine, mentioning her intention to resume stretching and flexibility exercises, which are imperative for her discipline. “I think I have to start stretching every day because on shoots, they’re always asking to do splits and leaps and jumps,” she said, interspersing humour with serious reflections on her training regimen.

Biles’ decision-making process concerning the 2028 Olympics is compounded by the ambitions of her teammates, especially the younger gymnast Hezly Rivera, who is setting her sights on the next Olympic Games. The landscape of gymnastics is uncertain, as it remains unclear whether other prominent competitors such as Jade Carey, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles will return to the mat.

Nonetheless, Biles remains a significant figure in the sporting world, and her journey continues to inspire athletes everywhere. As she weighs her options for the future, the conversation around mental health within athletics remains crucial, signalling a broader shift towards prioritising the well-being of athletes over traditional expectations of performance.

Athletes, fans, and mental health advocates alike are keenly watching her journey, understanding that Biles’ experiences may influence attitudes and behaviours in the realms of sport and mental health. As the gymnastics community evolves, Biles stands at the forefront, championing the importance of dialogue about mental health and personal well-being for athletes of all levels.

For those grappling with mental health challenges, it’s crucial to seek support. Resources such as the 988 Lifeline are available 24/7, providing assistance for anyone dealing with emotional distress or mental health struggles.