Simone Biles and Life After Gymnastics: A New Chapter with Religion of Sports
The question of life after gymnastics has always been a significant discussion in the sport. The challenges that gymnasts face throughout their careers make this question even more pressing. Simone Biles herself reflected on this in the documentary Simone Biles Rising, stating, “What I miss most about gymnastics is the freedom with my body. The ability that I have in the gym is not normal.” Given her illustrious career, which includes 41 medals from the Olympics and World Championships, it is only natural that the gymnastics world takes great interest in her future. After competing for 21 years and overcoming numerous obstacles, her potential retirement carries immense weight. However, it’s important to separate genuine curiosity from the criticisms she has faced over the years.
A Career Marked by Triumphs and Challenges
Biles’ withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics due to the twisties sparked widespread discussion, with some questioning her mental strength. However, she silenced critics with her outstanding performances at the Paris Olympics. Despite proving herself yet again, speculation about her retirement continues. What comes next for her? Has she mapped out a post-gymnastics career?
At 27, these questions are not new for Biles. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was the oldest American female gymnast to compete in decades, adding to the speculation about her future. In a recent interview with Variety, a clear answer emerged regarding her next step—she is joining the board of Religion of Sports (ROS), a media company. This move is described as a “natural evolution of Biles’ entrepreneurial and storytelling journey, expanding her influence beyond her competitive career in the gym—regardless of whether she competes again.” This decision signals a significant shift, and there is much to explore about her new role.
What Is Religion of Sports?
ROS is not a new name in Biles’ career. She has collaborated with the company for five years, producing successful projects like Simone Biles Rising on Netflix and Simone vs Herself on Facebook Watch. These productions have given fans an intimate look at her journey and struggles. The success of these projects highlighted the power of storytelling in sports, and now, Biles is taking that to the next level.
The company was founded by three well-known figures—NFL legends Tom Brady and Michael Strahan, along with documentarian Gotham Chopra. With Biles joining the board, her role is expanding beyond being the subject of stories—she will now help tell the stories of other athletes.
Simone Biles’ New Role in Storytelling
Biles’ position at ROS gives her the freedom to produce and direct projects that focus on female athletes and underrepresented stories. She expressed her passion for amplifying important conversations in sports, particularly in areas like mental health and the experiences of Black and brown athletes. According to ROS CEO Ameeth Sankaran, her responsibilities may grow further as time progresses. However, this development raises another question—does this role signal the end of her gymnastics career?
Biles has not provided a definitive answer yet. However, she has hinted at her perspective on retirement.
The Question of Retirement: Is There Anything Left to Prove?
With two decades in gymnastics and victories in nearly every major competition, Biles has little left to prove. Her fans remain uncertain about whether she will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. After the Paris Games, she addressed this possibility, saying, “Never say never. The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know. But I am getting really old.”
In a January 2025 interview with Sports Illustrated, she reflected further on the idea, stating, “Life and death, because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again, and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done.”
She also weighed the sacrifices of returning, saying, “If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences. But that’s also your decision to decide. What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like prom, college. Now it’s like starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”
While she hasn’t made an official announcement, her new role at ROS might provide the sense of purpose she seeks beyond gymnastics. Whether she returns to competition or not, Biles is clearly paving the way for a new chapter—one that allows her to shape the stories of athletes who follow in her footsteps.