Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, Simone Biles had a monumental 2024, further cementing her legacy in the sport. At 27, Biles became the oldest gymnast to represent the U.S. in 72 years, and her historic return to competition was incredible, securing four Olympic medals, three of them gold. Her incredible performance solidified her status as the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast of all time, with an impressive 11 Olympic medals. She’s also now tied with Czech gymnast Vera Cslavsk with 11 medals, trailing only Russia’s Larisa Latynina, who holds the seemingly unbeatable record of 18 Olympic medals.
The future for Biles Looks Relaxing
In an interview for E News, Biles gives a glimpse into her future. Looking ahead to 2025, Biles is prioritizing rest and community involvement. While she plans to take a step back from the intense spotlight of competition, she remains focused on giving back and staying active in meaningful ways. In addition to relaxing and traveling with her husband, Jonathan Owens, whose season with the Bears will end without the playoffs, Biles couldn’t share her winning magic with the Bears. Biles also plans to immerse herself in philanthropy and local projects. Biles’ thoughtful approach to her post-Olympic journey shows her desire to contribute beyond the mat and build a lasting legacy not only as an athlete, but as a leader and role model.
Speaking of women being role models, Caitlin Clark won TIME magazine’s “Athlete of the Year,” an award that Biles won in 2021, which is why I feel like she didn’t win it again this year. Without taking away from the work that Clark has done for women’s basketball, Biles had an incredible year, or rather, a dream Olympics. As I mentioned, she became the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast of all time, and like Clark, she is an inspiration to everyone, regardless of age, when it comes to effort, humility and discipline.
This NFL season has also brought Biles and Owens closer together. For the first time in years, the couple has been able to spend quality time together, enjoying moments both on and off the field. Biles has embraced her role as a supportive WAG, drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift’s headline-making presence at NFL games this season. While it’s not out of the question for Biles to compete in Los Angeles in 2028, it seems unlikely. Instead, she may play a more significant role as a mentor or coach to younger athletes as her time has passed and she’s now a living legend.
