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Debate

Is Simone Biles defying age norms, or should she gracefully retire from gymnastics?

Simone Biles keeps getting asked the same old question, which annoys her: Is she over the hill for gymnastics? At 27, she’s certainly no spring chicken in the sport, but she’s proving that age is just a number. As she said, “In gymnastics, the longevity has never been there,” acknowledging the uphill battle of staying on top. After her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she bagged three golds (team, all-around, vault) and one silver (floor exercise), everyone wants to know what’s next. Well, a similar question was thrown her way, but this time, she didn’t beat around the bush, offering an honest confession that cut to the chase.

Gymnastics’ intense physical demands mean most gymnasts retire early, and Simone Biles—who jokes she’s “aging like fine wine”—has already solidified her legacy at 27. That might be young in most fields but in gymnastics? She’s practically a veteran. Just imagine: at 27, she became the oldest Olympic all-around champion in 72 years, a title last held by Maria Gorokhovskaya at age 30 in the 1952 Helsinki Games. Yet, despite her age and all the physical toll, Biles isn’t officially done yet.

With 11 Olympic medals under her belt, Biles has her place in history. And while rumors swirl about her retirement after Paris, the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics might be calling her back. A few more medals, and she could pass swimmer Katie Ledecky’s record of 14, snagging the title of the most decorated female Olympian in U.S. history. When asked about retirement by Olympics.com, Biles gave a hint, saying, “The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know. But I am getting really old.”

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In August previously she was again questioned about retiring Biles was open; “You never say never…” Although her involvement in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains unconfirmed, a recent post on X ignited enthusiasm among supporters as Biles clarified, “I haven’t retired though,” fueling excitement within the gymnastics sphere.

One thing Biles has officially retired, though, is her iconic Yurchenko Double Pike, one of the hardest moves in gymnastics. The skill helped her secure gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but now Biles has bid farewell to it. On Instagram, Biles shared, “Rest in peace, Yurchenko Double Pike,” i.e., she won’t be going through this routine anymore.

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Is Simone Biles defying age norms, or should she gracefully retire from gymnastics?

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By the time the 2028 Los Angeles Games roll around, Biles will be 31, still younger than Hungarian gymnast Agnes Keleti, who won gold at 35, and Maria Gorokhovskaya, who took home the all-around title at 30. For Biles, making history is second nature, and should she continue, she could add yet another remarkable chapter to her already legendary career and keep the dreams of past champions alive in the process.

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Legendary figures rally for Simone Biles’ comeback!

There is a lot of anticipation about Simone Biles possibly delaying her retirement and making a comeback for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Oksana Chusovitina, a former Olympian recognized for her enduring career in the sport, commented on Biles’ future plans. Discussing the rumors about Biles considering stepping after Paris Chusovitina praised the gymnast’s skills.

Chusovitina stated, “Everything depends only on her,” adding that Biles has the potential to shine again, even in LA. “Simone Biles is a very talented gymnast; perhaps nothing is impossible for her, including performing at the Games in Los Angeles,” Chusovitina emphasized, underscoring her desire to see Biles continue to grace the gymnastics stage.

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Also, Kathy Johnson, a respected voice in gymnastics, also chimed in, emphasizing the unprecedented times Biles is creating in women’s gymnastics. “We are witnessing unprecedented times with Simone’s return to competition better than ever and her 10-year dominance!”

Also, Gregory Milan, Biles’ choreographer, echoed this sentiment, expressing his strong belief in her continued potential. He remarked, “If it were up to me, I find her so much stronger in her head now that I say she should continue.” Ultimately, the ball is in Biles’ court as she decides her next move in gymnastics. However, if she chooses to compete in 2028, it could be a historic game-changer for her already legendary career.

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