Simone Biles reveals impact of Paris Olympics success: ‘My body collapsed’

The 28-year-old said she is yet to decide whether to compete in Los Angeles in 2028

Issy Trapnell-Hoyle
Wednesday 23 April 2025 09:16 BST
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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo cheer on Simone Biles at Paris Olympics

Simone Biles is unsure if she will compete at her home Olympics at LA 2028 after revealing that her body “collapsed” after her success in Paris last summer.

Biles, 28, is the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history but she told the French newspaper L'Equipe that she suffered physically after the 2024 Games.

The American three gold medals and one silver, becoming the most successful gymnast of all time with 41 medals across Olympics in Rio, Tokyo and Paris.

But she said she is yet to decide whether she will appear in Los Angeles when considering her previous achievements and the impact of Paris 2024 on her health.

“I have accomplished so much in my sport. For me to come back, I would really need to be thrilled by it,” Biles said.

"You're going to tell me that the perspective of the Games in Los Angeles is fascinating. And I will be there, whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still haven't decided.

"2028 seems so far away. And my body ages. I felt it in Paris. At the end of the competition, I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed - I got sick for 10 days... So, to be honest, I don't know. We'll see.”

Biles said she would have to be motivated to return to another Olympics
Biles said she would have to be motivated to return to another Olympics (Getty Images)

Biles also discussed the impact of fame following her consecutive Olympics successes, revealing “it can be a source of anxiety”.

“Before, I was perfectly anonymous in a crowd, and that was a real blessing; now, wherever I am, people recognize me, call out to me, ask me for an autograph, a photo...

“It's strange to be known by everyone when you're not looking for that.”

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