Two years have passed since Simone Biles last competed in elite gymnastics, but the 11-time Olympic medalist is already plotting her next move. With the 2028 Summer Olympics set for Los Angeles, Biles has hinted at a potential comeback, and she's looking to a tennis legend for guidance.
In a recent interview at the US Open, Biles admitted she was inspired by Serena Williams' return to the court at 44. The gymnastics icon joked about teaming up with Williams for training, saying, "I mean, she's just the GOAT. Why not? Her, Coco [Gauff], I feel like would both give me a run for my money because I cannot play tennis at all, but I feel like the vibes would be overall great."
Biles, who has been enjoying life away from the gym, made headlines earlier this year when she shared a vacation-hunting swimsuit snap that had fans buzzing. But now, the focus is shifting back to her athletic future.
The Road Ahead
While the physical preparation doesn't worry her, Biles emphasized that the mental aspect is the biggest challenge. "Mental health plays a big role in it because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape," she said. "I can get myself in shape. We believe in that ability. We're really thankful that I'm still healthy. But mental is a huge thing, and it's a lot of dedication on that, because the road's not easy. It's long, but it's still work."
Biles' candidness about mental health comes after her highly publicized withdrawal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she prioritized her well-being over competition. She bounced back spectacularly in Paris 2024, winning three golds and a silver, tying Vera Caslavska for the second-most gold medals in women's gymnastics history.
A Historic Chase
If Biles returns in 2028, she'll be 31 years old, making her one of the oldest gymnasts to compete at that level. But the stakes are high: she needs three more golds to surpass Larisa Latynina's record for the most gold medals by a woman in Olympic history.
Biles' potential comeback would also add to her legacy, which already includes a younger generation of athletes looking up to her. The gymnastics community and fans alike are eagerly awaiting her decision, but Biles is taking her time, emphasizing that the journey is long and requires full commitment.
As she weighs her options, Biles is open to learning from other sports icons. Her admiration for Williams is clear, and a text to the tennis star might be the first step in her comeback journey. Whether she'll grace the mat in LA remains to be seen, but Biles is certainly not ruling it out.
