Simone Biles experienced a visceral surge of anxiety while attending Day 1 of the event finals at the World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Saturday, Oct. 24. Although she is no longer competing, the iconic gymnast revealed that the familiar arena atmosphere and pre-competition music triggered a profound physiological response. “It actually makes me so nervous, especially with the build-up music. I felt like I was getting ready to compete,” Biles told the public address announcer. “I was like, ‘Why am I so nervous right now?'” The admission underscores the deep psychological imprint of high-stakes performance, even for athletes who have retired from active duty.
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Biles remains the most decorated gymnast in history, holding records that seem nearly impossible to break. Her legacy includes 11 Olympic medals, seven of which are gold, alongside a staggering 30 medals at the World Championships. Furthermore, her 23 World titles stand as an all-time record for any gymnast, male or female. These statistics cement her status as the undisputed GOAT of the sport, yet her current presence in Rotterdam serves as a reminder that the mental demands of the sport linger long after the final routine.
Currently navigating what she describes as “a little bit of controlled chaos,” Biles is actively weighing her decision to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. In the interim, she balances a demanding schedule of sponsorships and charitable initiatives, recently meeting with a group of 15 children before the finals. She also supports her husband, Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens, by attending most of his NFL games. As the 2028 cycle approaches, Biles’ continued engagement with the sport suggests that her influence—and her competitive fire—may not be extinguished just yet.
Source: Yahoo Sports
