Simone Biles has made it clear that her decision to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics hinges on one crucial factor: her mental health.
In a recent interview with CNN, the 11-time Olympic medalist emphasized that while her coaches can get her physically ready, her mental well-being will ultimately determine whether she returns to the mats.
"Mental health plays a big role in it because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape," Biles said. She acknowledged that she needs to make a decision soon, but her priority is maintaining the progress she has made in therapy.
Biles has been open about her struggles with the "twisties"—a dangerous mental block that caused her to lose spatial awareness during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She later described that experience as a "trauma response" linked to the abuse she suffered at the hands of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
"I feel like it showed the realness to me because everyone thought I was a robot, she's not real," Biles said. "But it's like, down to the core, I'm just like you guys. I'm real."
Now 29, Biles credits therapy with helping her process her trauma and wishes more athletes would speak openly about mental health. She cited Naomi Osaka and Kevin Love as pioneers who inspired her to share her own story.
"Hearing these athletes mention my name, it's like, 'Wow, we're making progress, we're making change, we're being a voice and leader,'" she said. "So it means the world to me."
Biles last competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver. Her legacy as the most decorated gymnast of all time is secure, but she is not ready to close the door on another Games—if her mind and heart are in the right place.