Rumors are swirling around Olympic gymnastics star Simone Biles, as fans and the media speculate about her potential pregnancy and retirement following her impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Amidst this speculation, Biles has emphasized the importance of celebrating athletic accomplishments without rushing to ask what’s next.
Biles, who has dominated gymnastics for over a decade, recently clinched three gold medals, contributing to her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Having previously stepped away from competition to focus on her mental health, her return to the Olympics has been seen as nothing short of inspiring. Reporters and fans were quick to wonder about her future after her notable victories, questioning if this would be her final Olympics.
Adding fuel to the fire were comments mentioning her potential retirement. Biles playfully stated, "Rebeca can have the next one," referring to her Brazilian competitor Rebeca Andrade, who took silver during the individual all-around competition. This light-hearted remark was interpreted by some as hinting at her stepping away from competitive gymnastics.
Despite these comments, the most significant rumors highlight two main themes: pregnancy and retirement. Biles has been vocal previously concerning the invasive nature of public inquiries about her personal life. Addressing such gossip directly, she famously stated at the end of 2023, "I hate to have to address this, but I’m not pregnant," pushing back against pregnancy rumors circulating at the time.
The recent speculation kicked off after various online users mistakenly claimed Fox News reported Biles’ pregnancy and retirement. These rumors gained traction on social media platforms before it was revealed they were unfounded. A spokesperson for Fox News confirmed there were no such announcements made by them or any credible news outlets. Instead, Biles had focused on celebrating her achievements.
Further muddying the waters, her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, was mentioned alongside discussions about their future family plans. Since their marriage in April 2023, fans have speculated about when they would start having children. Biles had previously noted her desire for two to three kids, leaving many to question if now would be the time as she emphasizes her Olympic ambitions.
During the Olympics, Biles highlighted the importance of allowing athletes to relish their achievements. After securing her gold medals, she shared on social media, "You guys really gotta stop asking athletes what’s next after they win a medal at the Olympics." Many agree, recognizing the importance of savoring such victories before ponderously shifting their gaze to the future.
Compounding the speculation were comments made by Andrade, who revealed Biles had confided to her about potential retirement plans. Andrade’s remarks hinted at personal conversations between the two Olympians, saying, "I said, ‘No, girl, don’t do this.'" This seemingly intimate connection between rivals has gathered much attention, leaving fans pondering Biles’ intentions.
With the 2028 Olympics looming, Biles, at 27 years-old, found herself at the older end of the gymnastics spectrum. Although 27 is along the younger side for the rest of the world, it’s significant within gymnastics. Age often plays a pivotal role, especially when considering the physical demands required for the sport. Biles’ future, whether it includes compounding her career achievements or starting a family, remains unclear.
Some suggest she may contemplate motherhood post-Olympics, perhaps after the 2028 Games, when she would be 31, traditionally viewed as the age at which many gymnasts retire. Speaking to the media, Biles expressed, "I would never say never," alluding to her possibly extending her gymnastics career. There seems to be no rush for Biles to announce her next steps, considering her legendary status can.t be undermined by any timeline.
For her adoring fans and followers, the anticipation surrounding Biles persists as they eagerly watch for any hints she may drop about her future plans. While the rumors of her pregnancy and potential retirement circulate, it's worth remembering Biles' accomplishments and the spirit of celebration she has encouraged after her performances.
To this day, Simone Biles, with her resilience and grace, continues to be both inspirational and relatable; she represents the idea of enjoying the present moment, equipped with the confidence and skill to dominate her sport.