Discussing the possibility of retirement following the 2024 Paris Olympics, 27-year-old sports icon Simone Biles reveals what she will miss the most about gymnastics.
- Oct 26, 2024
AceShowbiz - As one of the most celebrated gymnasts in history, Simone Biles faces the bittersweet prospect of stepping away from the sport she has dominated for years. In the recent Netflix documentary series, "Simone Biles Rising," she opens up about her feelings on potential retirement and what the future might hold.
Biles, 27, captures the emotional complexity of this transition. "At this moment in my career, I feel like if I had to process it, it would be bittersweet," she says, reflecting on her achievements and the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics where she added to her remarkable tally of medals, bringing her total to 11 Olympic medals.
Despite her incredible success, Biles acknowledges the uncertainty that now lies ahead. "You guys really gotta stop asking athletes what's next after they win a medal at the Olympics," she wrote via X on August 4. This sentiment reveals her desire to take a moment to breathe and figure out her path forward at her own pace.
While Biles did not definitively announce her retirement, she spoke about it in the past tense. "What I'll miss most about gymnastics is the freedom with my body," she said. "The ability that I have in the gym is not normal."
The docuseries allows a rare glimpse into Biles' life post-Olympics, including a tour of the new home she shares with husband Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears. "So, here's my office," Biles remarks, hinting at future endeavors. "Who knows what I'll be doing in here? I'm not sure. I just know that there will be a desk and a computer to Google things."
Reflecting on what she'll miss most about gymnastics, Biles shares, "The ability that I have in the gym is not normal. But I've had to work in other areas of my life and that's taught me the lessons and brought me to be who I am today." Her journey has not only been about medals and accolades but also about personal growth and staying true to herself.
Director Katie Walsh intentionally left the series open-ended. "Your guess is as good as mine on that," Walsh says regarding Biles' potential return for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Biles has the world at her feet - whether or not she continues in competitive gymnastics, she is sure to leave a legacy of greatness and inspiration.
"6 year old me would be proud," Biles wrote via Instagram, a nod to her younger self and the dreams she has surpassed. As she navigates this new chapter, fans, young and old alike, will undoubtedly continue to look up to her as one of the greatest athletes of all time.