Exclusive: Simone Biles Can Return to LA Olympics 2028 With Gabby Douglas Says Kathy Johnson: “Wouldn’t Rule Anything Out”

Many believed the Tokyo Olympics would mark Simone Biles’ last appearance on the international gymnastics stage. But her abrupt exit pushed people to speculate about the road ahead for her. However, she made a strong comeback. With the 2024 Paris Olympics just around the corner, she is gearing up for another shot at the Gold. With 37 combined World and Olympic medals, Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history. But what happens after Paris?

Could she possibly compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Games? American sports commentator and former artistic gymnast Kathy Johnson recently addressed this in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports.

Kathy Johnson sat down with host Shreya Verma, the content strategist at EssentiallySports and a passionate gymnastics fan. Shreya asked Kathy, “Gabby Douglas recently announced her plans to return for the LA Olympics in 2028. Given the trend of gymnasts competing at older ages, do you think we might see Simone Biles making a similar return in the future?”

Kathy provided insightful commentary, expressing a sentiment of open-mindedness and possibility as she remarked, “I wouldn’t rule anything out!”

It’s worth noting Gabby Douglas, earlier aimed for the Paris Olympics, but an injury shattered her dream. Now, she aims to check out Los Angeles 2028 at 32. “I’m sad to say that due to a foot injury during practice, I will not be able to continue my 2024 journey. This may be the end of this chapter, but not the end of my gymnastics story,” Douglas said.

Kathy’s statement showed her acknowledgment of the dynamic nature of women’s gymnastics, particularly in light of Simone Biles’ comeback to the sport after grappling with the ‘twisties’ at Tokyo, where she withdrew from several events due to the condition. In the EssentiallySports exclusive interview, Kathy further added, “We are witnessing unprecedented times in women’s gymnastics with Simone’s return to competition better than ever and her 10-year dominance!”

However, last month, Biles herself addressed the questions about her LA 28 participation. “I would never say never and I think that would be amazing to (do this) after every Olympic cycle. I think that would be a beautiful thing. But right now I can’t tell you yes or no. Like no definitive answers because I don’t know what life will look like in the next few years to come,” she said while speaking with Texas-based El Paso Inc.

Meanwhile, Kathy further drew attention to Gabby Douglas’ impressive comeback in 2016, which instilled hope in fans and athletes alike, “Seeing Gabby come back as strong as she did gives everyone hope to see their favorite gymnasts stay in the sport longer and, in fact, improve facets of their gymnastics! With age comes seasoning and experience, so we are seeing maturity, determination, and grace become superpowers as gymnasts return to the sport and competition looking stronger and certainly fresher.”

However, she remained optimistic about Simone Biles’ potential return for the LA 28 Olympics. By that time, Biles will be 31. Additionally, Biles’ choreographer also shed light on this aspect of Biles’ potential participation in the next Olympics.

Insights from Simone Biles’ choreographer, Gregory Milan

A few weeks ago, Gregory Milan, Simone Biles’ choreographer who is preparing her for the Paris Olympics, engaged in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, where he shared intriguing insights into Biles’ journey. When questioned about Biles’ potential retirement, Milan’s response brimmed with optimism and admiration.

Expressing his desire for Biles to grace the stage until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Milan also expressed hopes of collaborating with her once more on choreography. “But if it were up to me, I find her so much stronger in her head now that I say she should continue. But then, I am not in Simone’s head. So, I don’t know what she will want to do.”

While acknowledging that the final decision rests with Biles herself, Milan’s support echoed through his words. If Biles competes in LA28, it will surely be the best and showcase the true spirit of being an unmatched Olympian. But what does Simone Biles think?

Reflecting on her career, Biles once said, “It’s just exciting that I keep going up, up each and every year, so I’m excited for what’s to come.” All eyes are on her as she is expected to lead USA Gymnastics once again for Paris. Last month, Simone Biles continued her streak of dominance at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, securing her record ninth all-around title.

“Aging like fine wine,” she remarked after the competition. At 27, she defies the conventional retirement age for gymnasts, proving that for legends like her, there’s no slowing down.