Simone Biles Teases a Comeback for Fourth Summer Olympics

Biles made the comment after earning her third gold medal in Paris, where she won the women’s vault final on Saturday.

PARIS, France — Simone Biles hinted at retirement but left the door open for more. Despite being 27, Biles won her seventh Olympic gold in the vault final.

Biles mentioned she might retire her Yurchenko double pike vault, but didn’t close the door on competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“Never say never,” Biles remarked, referencing the home crowd appeal of the next Olympics.

In the air, Biles dazzled in her sequined red leotard, averaging a score of 15.300 on her vaults.

She had initially struggled with the Yurchenko double pike in Tokyo, pivoting instead to an Amanar vault. The “twisties” experienced during Tokyo altered her career path and left both Biles and her coach, Laurent Landi, hesitant to revisit the Amanar.

To stay motivated, Biles embraced the Yurchenko double pike, refining it to perfection. This addition to her repertoire earned her an element named after her in gymnastics’ Code of Points at the 2023 World Championships.

Executing the Yurchenko double pike isn’t just about power but also control. Landi’s encouragement of “calm down” before the vault exemplified this balance.

Her near-flawless performance was slightly marred by stepping out of bounds, costing her a tenth of a point. The minor deduction was inconsequential, as her score of 15.700 ensured victory.

Her second vault, a Cheng, scored 14.9, sealing her gold medal victory.

Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade took silver, while American Jade Carey earned bronze. Carey, who stumbled in Tokyo, found redemption this time.

“I wanted to show I could do it,” Carey said, satisfied with her accomplishment.

Biles’ Olympics continue, with upcoming balance beam and floor exercise finals, aiming to extend her medal tally.

Currently tied for third in all-time female Olympic gymnastics medals with 10, Biles needs two more to secure the second position, behind Larisa Latynina’s 18 medals.

The acclaim and silence of critics post-Tokyo seem to be the biggest victory for Biles, reflecting, “They’re really quiet now.”

Rhys McClenaghan secured Ireland’s first Olympic gymnastics medal by winning the pommel horse final. His score of 15.533 marked a historic achievement for Ireland.

American Stephen Nedoroscik, dubbed “Pommel Horse Guy” after viral fame, earned bronze.

Carlos Yulo of the Philippines won their second Olympic gold ever, excelling in men’s floor exercise with a score of 15.000.

Associated Press Writer Samuel Petrequin contributed to this report.