Full Breakdown
Simone Biles Weighs Return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Amid Mental-Health Considerations
4/30/2026, 2:07:03 AM
Current Status and Decision Timeline
At the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Biles described her Olympic outlook as “a 50-50” and noted a “time crunch” as the 2028 Games approach. She is on a self-imposed break, planning only Pilates and yoga before resuming full training. Biles emphasized that while her coaches can restore her physical condition, “mental health plays a big role” in any decision to compete.
Background: Tokyo Twisties and Paris Triumph
During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Biles experienced the “twisties,” a loss of spatial awareness that forced her withdrawal from several events. The episode prompted her to begin therapy and sparked a broader dialogue on athlete mental health. She returned for the 2024 Paris Games, winning three gold medals and adding to her career total of 11 Olympic medals (seven gold, two silver, two bronze).
Key Figures and Support Network
- Simone Biles – 11-time Olympic medalist, 29 years old in 2026.
- Jonathan Owens – Biles’ husband, NFL safety for the Indianapolis Colts, also in therapy and an advocate for mental-health resources.
- Ilia Malinin – U.S. figure skater who suffered “twisties” at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics; Biles met him afterward to offer support.
- Lindsey Vonn – Former alpine-skiing champion who consulted Biles after a broken leg in 2026.
- Naomi Osaka and Kevin Love – Athletes Biles cited as early influences in speaking publicly about mental health.
Timeline of Relevant Milestones
- July 2021 – Tokyo Olympics: Biles withdraws due to twisties.
- July 2024 – Paris Olympics: Biles wins three gold medals.
- Oct 2025 – Biles states she will be “there in some capacity” for Los Angeles, while prioritizing physical-mental health balance.
- April 29 2026 – Interview at Laureus Awards; Biles reiterates 50-50 odds and need for rapid decisions.
- July 2028 – Scheduled Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
Data & Statistics
- Olympic medal tally: 7 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze (total 11).
- Age comparison: At 31 in 2028, Biles would join a small group of gymnasts competing in four Olympics; Oksana Chusovitina competed at age 46 in Tokyo, and Daniele Hypólito at age 5 in 2024.
- Injury rates (2023 U.S. study): ~100 000 gymnastics-related ER visits annually; elite gymnasts sustain 3.89 injuries per 1 000 training hours and 12.06 per 1 000 competition hours, with female athletes experiencing the highest injury incidence.
Why It Matters: Impact on Athlete Mental-Health Advocacy
Biles’ openness has reframed mental health from a perceived weakness to a recognized aspect of elite sport. Her visibility encourages other athletes, including those in the NFL, to seek therapy and discuss psychological challenges publicly, potentially influencing policy and resource allocation within sporting organizations.
Official Statements & Responses
Biles emphasized that her coaches can restore physical readiness, but mental readiness requires “a lot of dedication” and therapy. She highlighted the importance of “toughness” in both mind and body, noting her husband’s experience in therapy and his encouragement of teammates to use mental-health resources. Biles also expressed gratitude for the support of peers such as Malinin and Vonn, and credited earlier athletes like Osaka and Love for paving the way for candid mental-health conversations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel like we’re still at a 50-50 and that we’re still on a time crunch here now it’s almost half of 2026,” — Simone Biles, gymnast
- “Mental health plays a big role in it because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape,” — Simone Biles
- “I feel like it showed the realness to me because everyone thought I was a robot, she’s not real, but it’s like, down to the core, I’m just like you guys. I’m real,” — Simone Biles
- “It got me the therapy that I deserved, and I'm still currently in therapy.” — Simone Biles
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources present a consistent “50-50” outlook; no definitive timeline for a decision is provided. The precise criteria Biles will use to finalize her participation remain unspecified.
What’s Next
Biles is expected to assess her mental and physical readiness over the next two years, with a likely decision point before the 2027 World Championships. Her potential role—competitor, mentor, or spectator—will shape both the U.S. gymnastics program and the broader discourse on athlete mental health at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
