Kaylah Walton
Simone Biles achieved a remarkable milestone at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured four additional medals—including three gold medals in the women’s individual all-around, women’s vault, and team all-around, along with a silver medal in the floor exercise. As the oldest U.S. gymnast in over seven decades, she surpassed all expectations, solidifying her status as one of the all-time greats in Olympic gymnastics. With a total of 11 medals, she is now tied with Czech gymnast Vera Cáslavská and remains behind Larisa Latynina of Russia, who holds an impressive 18 Olympic medals. Biles’ outstanding performance in Paris fueled discussions about her legacy, leaving fans and analysts debating whether this was her final significant contribution to gymnastics.
Biles and Her High-Risk Signature Move
Among the defining moments of Biles’ career is her renowned signature maneuver, known as the Yurchenko double pike (now referred to as the Biles II). This incredibly challenging vault has transformed the sport due to its complexity and inherent risks. Her former coach, Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, shared insights about the stressful atmosphere before the Paris Olympics, particularly regarding this high-stakes move. The vault involves a round-off on a springboard followed by two flips in a pike position, making it one of the most difficult maneuvers executed by a female gymnast. Despite facing immense pressure and suffering from a calf injury, Biles executed this move flawlessly, much to the relief of those watching closely during her training.
This performance was made even more poignant given the challenges she faced at the Tokyo Games. Afterward, Biles took to social media to announce her departure from the Yurchenko double pike, posting a reflective image of herself in white, sitting on a vault surrounded by flowers with the caption “R.I.P. Yurchenko double pike.” For Biles, stepping away felt like the conclusion of a chapter. Although performing this groundbreaking skill was exciting, it exacted a significant mental and physical toll on her. Biles had often expressed the anxiety she experienced each time she executed the move, despite completing it over 100 times. Although she achieved remarkable success with the vault, she recognized it was time to bid farewell and mark the end of an important phase in her gymnastics journey.
Biles’ Retirement Considerations Ahead of Los Angeles 2028
As she looks forward, Biles has suggested that her gymnastics career may be winding down. After being awarded Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Athlete of the Year, Biles shared her thoughts on the future, suggesting that participating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is improbable. At 31, having achieved all her ambitions in the sport, she recognized the personal sacrifices she would face if she were to compete again, notably putting off her plans for starting a family with her spouse, Jonathan Owens.
Biles expressed that she has arrived at a stage where competing feels more about maintaining an image rather than pursuing genuine challenges. Currently, she is prioritizing her personal life and envisioning her path beyond gymnastics. Although it remains unclear if she will stay involved in the sport as a coach, mentor, or ambassador, for now, she appears ready to take a step back and savor the accomplishments of her remarkable career.
