Simone Biles Announces Retirement Following Final Olympic Performance

Simone Biles has officially announced her retirement from gymnastics after an extraordinary Olympic career that has redefined the sport. The 27-year-old athlete, who concluded her third and potentially final Olympic journey with a floor exercise final on Monday, delivered a performance that earned her a silver medal, narrowly missing out on gold by just 0.033 points. The gold was claimed by Brazil’s Rebecca Andrade, marking an end to Biles’s remarkable run in Olympic gymnastics.

In her final routine, Biles captivated the audience with her signature moves, including the Biles II and Biles I routines. Despite minor deductions for stepping out of bounds, her performance was met with a standing ovation, underscoring her status as the most decorated female gymnast in history.

Biles’s Olympic career, spanning over eight years, has amassed a total of 11 medals, including four golds from the Paris Games. Her legacy, however, was not without its challenges. A fall during her balance beam routine earlier in the week resulted in a fifth-place finish, just ahead of her teammate Sunni Lee, who also experienced a mishap.

The floor exercise was a dramatic conclusion to an Olympic career marked by extraordinary highs and personal struggles. Biles’s performance, while brilliant, fell just short of the gold medal as Andrade edged out by a razor-thin margin. American gymnast Jordan Chiles secured the bronze medal, adding another chapter to her story of friendship and competition with Biles.

Reflecting on her career, Biles spoke of the intense pressure and personal growth she experienced. “It means the world to me and it’s just so crazy,” Biles said. “I don’t want to compete with Rebecca anymore. She’s way too close. I’m tired, and it’s making me uncomfortable.”

Throughout her career, Biles has been known for her groundbreaking skills and unmatched talent. She was celebrated not only for her achievements but also for her advocacy work, including her commitment to supporting foster children and survivors of abuse.

Despite the speculation about her future, including whispers of a potential return for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Biles has hinted at stepping away from competitive gymnastics to focus on her personal life and new ventures. She has expressed a desire to enjoy life beyond the sport, including spending time with her husband, Jonathan Owens.