Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history and one of the best the sport has ever seen, has once again become the talk of the gymnastics world—but this time, not because of her athletic brilliance. Instead, a wave of speculation about her potential retirement has engulfed social media, fueled by her recent appearance at the 2025 ESPY Awards and a few cryptic comments made earlier this year.
A legendary career nearing its end?
At 28, Biles has achieved what most athletes can only dream of. With 11 Olympic medals — including seven gold — and a record-shattering 23 World Championship titles, she’s etched her name into gymnastics history.
Despite her continued relevance and physical capability, Simone Biles has hinted that the end of her competitive journey might be closer than fans hoped. Speaking earlier this year about possibly competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she left little room for optimism.
"I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again – and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done. If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences," Biles said candidly.
These words, combined with her absence from recent training updates and competition rosters, have led fans to read between the lines — and many believe her retirement is all but confirmed.
ESPY night ignites online buzz
Simone Biles recently attended the 2025 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, stunning in a head-turning gown while collecting two major awards: Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete: Women’s Sports. While she celebrated another high point in her illustrious career, her presence away from the mat only added to the swirling rumors.
Speculation escalated when fans on social media began suggesting she may have undergone plastic surgery — something that, in their eyes, could indicate a permanent shift away from elite gymnastics.
"Well I guess that answers the 2028 question," one user wrote.
"Well Simone is definitely retired now," said another.
"I think her Olympic career is over," added a third.
To date, Biles has not directly responded to these rumors, choosing instead to focus on celebrating her ESPY wins. Whether silence means confirmation or simply indifference remains unclear.
Simone Biles' unparalleled gymnastics legacy
With an Olympic career spanning three Games (2016, 2020, 2024) and an unmatched record at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Simone Biles has not only dominated the sport but also redefined it. Her legacy is backed by an astonishing 41 combined medals, including a staggering 30 World Championship podium finishes. Here's a detailed look at her monumental achievements:
Olympics medal tally:
| Medal | Event(s) | Total |
| Gold | 2016: Floor, vault, individual all-around, team 2024: Individual all-around, vault, team |
7 |
| Silver | 2020: Team 2024: Floor Exercise |
2 |
| Bronze | 2016 & 2020: Beam | 2 |
Total Olympic Medals: 11
Olympic Games Participated: 2016 (Rio), 2020 (Tokyo), 2024 (Paris)
World Championships medal tally:
| Medal | Event(s) | Total |
| Gold | Beam: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2023 Floor: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023 Individual All-Around: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023 Team: 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023 Vault: 2018, 2019 |
23 |
| Silver | Vault: 2013, 2014, 2023 Uneven Bars: 2018 |
4 |
| Bronze | Beam: 2013, 2018 Vault: 2015 |
3 |
Total World Championship Medals: 30
Years of Participation: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2023
What’s Next for Biles?
With the 2025 World Championships on the horizon, Simone Biles' future in competitive gymnastics remains uncertain. For now, her fans will have to wait — and wonder — whether the queen of gymnastics is preparing for one final bow or simply enjoying a well-earned pause.