Not many can match what Simone Biles has accomplished—she holds 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals at just 27 years old, making her the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history and the global GOAT. Despite reaching the pinnacle of the sport, her love for gymnastics keeps her pushing forward. Though she’s bid farewell to her iconic vault, there’s speculation that she might still make a comeback for the 2028 LA Games.
After her recent Paris performance, Biles hinted, “Never say never…the next Olympics is at home, so you never know,” suggesting that she hasn’t ruled out another Olympic run, though she admits she’s feeling her age. For now, Biles is preparing for the Gold Over America Tour. However, one of her tour teammates, Ian Gunther, is contemplating retirement at the age of 25, which some might call premature.
Gunther, a four-time NCAA team champion, shared on the *Sam Oldham Podcast* that his body aches and he’s enjoying life outside gymnastics. He expressed doubts about continuing competitively, questioning whether he could stay in the sport until the 2028 Games, adding, “I feel old already.” Gunther highlighted the high drop-off rate among gymnasts around his age, with very few continuing beyond 25.
While Gunther appears ready to step away, Biles shows no signs of slowing down. Even though she’s retired her Yurchenko Double Pike, she’s still thriving, sharing moments from her tour training on social media. Though 27 is considered old for gymnasts, Biles’ passion drives her, with many wondering if she’ll keep competing until the 2028 Games, following in the footsteps of athletes like Oksana Chusovitina, who competed into her 40s.
Biles’ commitment to gymnastics remains strong, as she herself stated, “I wake up every day and choose to grind in the gym.” It seems the days of female gymnasts retiring early may be over, with Biles leading the charge into a new era for the sport.
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