The Paris Olympics gifted the world an unforgettable moment—Simone Biles, the reigning queen of gymnastics, bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade on the podium. The two, rivals yet kindred spirits, shared laughs on the sidelines and pushed each other to dazzling heights. Their respect and admiration for one another made the women’s floor exercise final, not just a competition but a celebration of greatness. But was Paris the last chapter of their legendary saga? Or will these two titans of gymnastics return to the mat for another iconic showdown, this time under the bright lights of Los Angeles in 2028?

If anyone knows what it takes to sustain excellence in gymnastics, it’s Nadia Comaneci. The woman who redefined perfection with the first-ever Olympic perfect 10 has been following Biles and Andrade for years—since Andrade was just a 10-year-old prodigy. And she’s not ready to say goodbye to their epic duels just yet. “They haven’t officially retired,” Comaneci on March 11 told Olympics.com. “They didn’t say, ‘we are retiring officially.’” So, could we see Biles and Andrade defying expectations and gravity yet again?

Neither gymnast has set a definitive farewell date. Instead, they’ve left subtle breadcrumbs, hinting at unfinished business. In a candid interview with Sports Illustrated earlier this year, Biles reflected on the sacrifices that come with another Olympic run.

“If you go back, you’ll be greedy,” she mused. “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?” At 27, Biles stands at a crossroads. She has already rewritten the history books, but does she have one more chapter left to author? And what about Andrade? The Brazilian superstar, who stunned the world with her artistry and power, hasn’t ruled out another run either. But she has limitations now. 

The gymnastics world held its breath in February as Rebeca Andrade, one of the sport’s most electrifying stars, finally shared her plans for the future. Much like Simone Biles, Andrade has battled both physical and mental hurdles throughout her career—only for her, the scars run deep. These lingering struggles have forced her to make a game-changing decision. Such as?

In an intimate conversation with Olympics.com, the 25-year-old Brazilian powerhouse made it clear: she’s shifting her focus. “Vault and bars are totally fine for me, so I’ll do them. Beam I’m not sure, but it’s not as demanding on my body as floor. I’m sticking to the decision of not doing floor for now,” she stated. The move is a strategic one, aimed at extending her gymnastics journey rather than cutting it short. And if there’s anyone who understands the weight of this choice, it’s gymnastics royalty—Nadia Comaneci. The 63-year-old legend believes Andrade is playing her cards right. You may ask, how?

“Rebeca, I think she’s interested in competing in 2028, but I’m not sure if she wants to do four events,” Comaneci noted. With this new approach, Andrade is choosing sustainability over unnecessary risk, a decision that could cement her legacy even further. Across the Atlantic, Simone Biles has been toying with her own Olympic fate as well. 

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist left the door slightly open for a 2028 return. “Never say never. The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know,” Biles admitted last August. But almost instantly, she cast doubt on the idea, adding, “But I am getting really old.” Comaneci, however, seems to have a hunch about Biles’ future. 

“Simone, you know, may decide in the year before the Olympics that she may want to do something,” she speculated, piecing together what she knows about Biles’ competitive spirit. Yet even the Romanian icon couldn’t claim certainty, concluding, “We’ll have to see what their decision is, but it would be nice to see them there.”

For gymnastics fans, the dream is clear: one last epic showdown between Biles and Andrade on the Olympic mat in 2028. But wait—there’s another name who has already promised to make an appearance in LA 2028. Who is it? A rising force? Is a legend making a comeback? The stage is being set for a showdown like no other. 

The LA days will surely see someone beyond Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade 

What was Simone Biles or Rebeca Andrade doing in 1989? Well, a simple Google search will show that both towering gymnasts were born much later. But do you know what Oksana Chusovitina was doing in 1989? That was her first year in the Cottbus World Cup of gymnastics. Since then she has been competing and a few weeks ago, she completed her 21st participation in the contest. It wasn’t solely about competing, though. 49-year-old Oksana claimed her 16th vault medal in the contest. The average success rate? 16 vault medals in 21 appearances! Swashbuckling, no? But hold on. That’s the tip of the iceberg of the surprises. 

Oksana Chusovitina is hopeful about attending her ninth Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In the French capital, she could have fulfilled her wish. But a last-minute injury and absence in the qualifying tournament had dented her dream. Now, she is sure about her entry chance in LA 2028. Three years later, Oksana will be 53 years old. An issue for her? No. Instead, she said to the Olympics. com, “If [LA 2028] happens, it happens. If not, then no. But I will try, and I will give it everything I’ve got.” She is on the move. Now, with Oksana’s entry, if both Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade choose to return, the 2028 Olympics could be a spectacle unlike any other. It wouldn’t just be about skills and medals—it would be about legacy. About proving, once again, that age is just a number, and greatness has no expiration date.

So, will LA witness another Biles-Andrade masterpiece? If the legends themselves aren’t closing the door, neither should we. The stage is set, the suspense is real, and the gymnastics world is holding its breath. The queens may yet return for one final bow.