Imagine being the greatest gymnast in history, defying gravity with moves so daring that they’re named after you. Now, picture the very thing that made you a legend—your body in flight—suddenly betraying you. That was Simone Biles in Tokyo, 2021.

Imagine being the greatest gymnast in history, defying gravity with moves so daring that they’re named after you. Now, picture the very thing that made you a legend—your body in flight—suddenly betraying you. That was Simone Biles in Tokyo, 2021. The whole world held its breath as she stepped back from the brink of what could have been Olympic glory, gripped by the terrifying “twisties,” a moment when a gymnast loses their sense of control mid-air. The queen of gymnastics, known for her flawless execution, was suddenly fighting a battle that no medal could fix.
Fast forward to 2024: Biles was back on the biggest stage in Paris, and this time, she wasn’t just competing—she was reclaiming her crown. Nailing the infamous “Biles II” vault that had once been her Achilles heel, she walked away with three more gold medals, cementing her legacy with 11 Olympic medals in total. Yet, even with the world at her feet, she hinted that Paris might be her final Olympic act, leaving fans on edge about her future.
In a surprising twist, Biles recently shared on Threads, “Getting up and not having to think about doing a Yurchenko double pike is a blessing.” It’s a moment of honesty from the powerhouse we’ve come to see as superhuman. After years of chasing perfection, Biles is beginning to embrace something far more elusive—peace. While her fans dream of a return in 2028, Biles might be dreaming of something simpler: life without the constant pressure to defy gravity. Could this really be the end of the Biles era, or is she just catching her breath? Only time will tell.