Olympic medalist Simone Biles is taking a break from the spotlight amid growing interest surrounding her next big career move.

With endless questions swirling around Biles as to whether she is competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or upcoming championships, she has chosen to dodge the noise.

In an Instagram story, Biles posted a poolside picture and suggested taking a break.

She wrote, “DND i'll be here until further notice.”

With the LA Olympics just over two years away, Biles has faced questions regarding her involvement at the event. In an interview with CNN Sports, she explained her stance on competing for further Olympic glory.

“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,” Biles said. "We’re going to have to make these decisions pretty quickly."

The 29-year-old clarified her priorities, highlighting her mental health as the determining factor.

“Mental health plays a big role in it because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape,” she stated.

Biles last competed at the 2024 Paris Games, where she secured three gold medals and one silver.

“Mental is a huge thing, and it’s a lot of dedication on that," she stated.

Since taking a break from competing, Biles has been an active advocate for mental health. The Olympian famously withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, citing "twisties" as the reason.

She has been praised for prioritizing her well-being. The athlete opened up about her withdrawal and how it helped change people's perception of her.

“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," she stated. "I’m just like you guys. I’m real.”

Biles' decision to step away from Tokyo 2020 generated a widespread dialogue surrounding mental health.

Biles' Mental Health Journey

Biles recently recounted her decision and the courage she displayed by withdrawing. She further noted how gymnasts are often viewed without their shortcomings.

“I would say it was really difficult, because we’re not somebody, or gymnasts aren’t viewed as people who have weaknesses,” she stated. “That was the first time a weakness was displayed on the global stage.”

In Tokyo, she suffered a series of uncharacteristic mishaps. Biles notably balked mid-air during the team final and withdrew from the tournament. Despite leaving early, she won two medals, including a bronze on the balance beam.

Since then, she has credited sports personalities like Kevin Love and Naomi Osaka, noting them as her "guides" for speaking up.

As for the upcoming Olympics, she will be 31 in 2028, which may become a factor. Notably, Biles has said she will be available at the event in "some capacity."

But with her seemingly taking a break, questions remain about her involvement in 2028.

Read more at Gymnastics Digest.

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Sijo Paul