Remember how electric the atmosphere at Bercy Arena was during the 2024 Paris Olympics? The gymnastics leg up until this point had been nothing short of thrilling. Yet, fans looked forward to the grand finale – the women’s floor exercise finals. Rebeca Andrade locked horns with her fiercest rival, Simone Biles, one last time at the French capital. However, her stunning floor routine received 14.166. With this, the 25-year-old bagged an Olympic gold, boasting 6 medals across 3 Summer Games. 

As for the G.O.A.T? The 27-year-old was on a mission to overturn her stint from three years ago. Dubbing the Paris stint her redemption tour, the Olympian made waves on the mat throughout the Games. In fact, she left the French capital with 4 medals – 3 golds and 1 silver. While fans could never get over watching the gymnasts compete alongside each other, their return at LA 2028 was still up in the arms. However, the Brazilian has given the community some much-needed hope.

Rebeca Andrade leaves the door open for gymnastics future

The 25-year-old had bested Simone Biles amidst a raucous crowd at Bercy Arena. While this wasn’t her first Olympic gold, it still was incredibly special. A week before stepping onto the mat, Rebeca Andrade told the press that this could potentially be her career floor finale. However, after setting a benchmark for Brazilian gymnasts, the Olympian had a change of heart. Speaking to GQ Global, she was asked the pertinent question – Will the 6x Olympic medalist contest at LA2028? 

The gymnast candidly responded, “I hope it’s not the peak of my career yet, but it’s been an exceptional year. I think Los Angeles will be my last Olympics, but I don’t even know if I’ll make it there. Unfortunately, we can’t see the future.” Before turning things around at the Bercy Arena, the 25-year-old prepared to leave the mat gracefully. In fact, she was so overcome with sorrow and sadness that she prepared a farewell letter to the sport earlier in March this year. 

Due to all of the harsh criticism she received from her own countrymen and women, Rebeca Andrade expected Paris to be her last Olympics cycle. But to her surprise, the Games helped her triumphantly turn things around. The Olympian left the French capital with 4 Olympic medals in tow. After giving it a thought, the Olympian announced that she wasn’t ready to end her illustrious career just yet. So, what is she going to focus on now? “I’m going to train to improve my body and make my mind stronger,” she stated. Yet, many are hoping to see another familiar face in LA. 

Will Simone Biles compete on her home turf?

Most gymnasts gracefully bow out of the sport by 25. But the 27-year-old has always been a cut above the rest. Simone Biles not only challenged the notion of athletes retiring by this age, but she also continues to push the boundaries of the sport. In fact, since her debut on the world’s biggest stage, she continued to set the bar higher than ever. With 11 Olympic medals, Biles now has the title of being the world’s most decorated gymnast.

However, the Olympian often jokes about “ageing like fine wine.” The veteran became the oldest Olympic all-around champion in 72 years after her dreamy stint in Paris. Does that mean we won’t see her on the mat in LA 2028? It’s safe to say that the G.O.A.T. isn’t officially done. The rumor mill has been working overtime regarding the gymnast’s retirement. But is there any truth to it? 

The upcoming Summer Games might be four years away, but the Olympian believes she still has a lot to give. “The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know. But I am getting really old.” After the gymnastics leg officially concluded in Bercy Arena, she was asked about retiring. So, what did she say? “You never say never…” 

Simone Biles has constantly teased the gymnastics community with retirement rumors. On the other hand, she hasn’t shut the door on competing just yet. When a post on X reignited the debate, the gymnast promptly let the world know she hadn’t retired yet. Like the G.O.A.T., Rebeca Andrade hasn’t confirmed or denied her involvement in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But you never know. We might witness yet another power-packed battle among these greats.