Simone Biles Has Weighed A Potential 2028 Olympic Return
The decorated gymnast is considering competing in the Los Angeles Olympic Games at age 31.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Gymnastics
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Simone Biles, 29, is evaluating a potential return to elite competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. She has recently tested her physical readiness by successfully landing a double layout in the gym.
Why it matters
Biles is weighing the unique appeal of competing in a home Olympic Games against the intense training demands of her sport. She is also considering the potential impact of this training on her reproductive health as she approaches age 30.
Biles is currently 29 years old and would be 31 by the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Her potential return follows the example of Katelyn Ohashi, who resumed elite competition in July 2026 after a 13-year absence.
The players
Simone Biles
She is a highly decorated gymnast who has competed in the Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Paris Olympic Games.
Jonathan Owens
He is the husband of Simone Biles.
Katelyn Ohashi
She is a gymnast who notably returned to elite competition in 2026 after a lengthy hiatus.
The details
Biles, who is married to Jonathan Owens, expects that a comeback would require significant time apart from her husband due to training commitments. Beyond athletic goals, she continues to manage health challenges including diagnoses of seborrheic dermatitis and eczema.
Timeline
July 2021 marked the period when Biles withdrew from events at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
July 2026 was when Katelyn Ohashi returned to elite gymnastics competition.
July 2028 will see the opening ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Season Trajectory
This potential comeback follows a pattern set by Katelyn Ohashi's 2026 return to elite gymnastics, suggesting a shifting landscape for athlete longevity. Biles' decision could significantly alter the competitive field for the 2028 U.S. Olympic roster.
A decision to compete would set Biles on a path to perform at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at age 31. Fans and analysts are now tracking her training updates to see if she joins the U.S. roster for the upcoming Olympic cycle.
The takeaway
Athletes like Biles are increasingly evaluating how personal goals and physical health intersect with long-term competitive aspirations. Her journey highlights the complexity of balancing life outside the gym with the rigorous requirements of elite-level training.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in the sport, visit Gymnastics.
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