BREAKING NEWS – Simone Biles, the most decorated American Olympic gymnast, has announced her retirement at 27.

Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast in American history and one of the most decorated athletes of all time, has officially announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics at the age of 27. In a heartfelt statement released earlier today, Biles shared that she had made the difficult decision to step away from the sport that has defined much of her life. Her retirement marks the end of an era in gymnastics, one that has seen her shatter records, break barriers, and redefine what is possible in the sport.

A Legacy of Dominance

Simone Biles’ decision to retire comes after an illustrious career that has cemented her place in history as one of the greatest athletes in the world. Over the course of her career, Biles amassed an unparalleled collection of accolades, including a total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals—25 of which are gold. Her achievements transcend the realm of gymnastics, as she became an icon of strength, resilience, and determination.

Biles first burst onto the global stage at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won five Olympic medals, including four golds. Her performance in Rio was nothing short of legendary, with Biles dominating every event she participated in and leaving an indelible mark on the gymnastics world. She became the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, and her near-flawless routines made her a household name.

But it was not just her success at the Olympics that defined Biles’ career. Her dominance continued at the World Championships, where she became the first gymnast in history to win four gold medals in a single World Championship event in 2019. Biles also became the first gymnast to land a triple-double in competition, a groundbreaking move that showcased both her technical skill and creativity. Her ability to perform the most difficult skills with grace and precision set her apart from her peers and left a lasting impact on the sport.

Overcoming Adversity

Simone Biles’ path to success was not without its challenges. As one of the most publicized athletes in the world, she faced enormous pressure to succeed from a young age. But what truly set her apart was her ability to overcome personal and professional adversity with resilience. Perhaps the most publicized chapter in her life came in 2018, when she bravely came forward as one of the many women who were sexually abused by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Her decision to speak out helped bring about sweeping changes within the sport and sparked a larger conversation about abuse in gymnastics and other professional fields.

Despite the trauma and the emotional toll of the Nassar scandal, Biles continued to excel. She became a powerful advocate for survivors of abuse and worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of victims were heard. Biles’ courage and advocacy off the mat elevated her status as not only an athlete but also a champion for change.

In addition to her advocacy work, Biles also prioritized her mental health in recent years. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles made the difficult but courageous decision to withdraw from several events to focus on her mental well-being. This decision was met with both praise and criticism, but it highlighted Biles’ understanding of the importance of mental health in athletics. By choosing to prioritize her mental health, Biles became a role model for countless athletes who often feel pressured to push through personal struggles for the sake of competition.

The Decision to Retire

Simone Biles’ retirement at the age of 27, though not entirely unexpected given her decision to take a break from the sport following Tokyo, has sent shockwaves through the gymnastics world. In her statement, Biles shared that her decision to retire was motivated by a desire to focus on her family, her mental health, and her future beyond gymnastics. She spoke of the physical and emotional toll that elite-level competition had taken on her over the years, and how she felt that it was time to move on to new challenges.

“For a long time, gymnastics was my everything,” Biles wrote. “But now, I feel it’s time for me to focus on other aspects of my life—my family, my health, and my personal happiness. I’ve given everything I have to this sport, and I’ll always be grateful for the experiences and the people I’ve met along the way. But I know it’s time to turn the page.”

Biles also expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her career, thanking her coaches, teammates, and fans for helping her reach the heights she achieved. She emphasized that, while gymnastics had been her passion, her future now lies in different pursuits.

A New Chapter: What’s Next for Simone Biles?

While Simone Biles’ gymnastics career may be over, her impact on the sport and on the world will continue to resonate.