Biles Rates 2028 Olympic Return 50‑50, Cites Mental Health and $23K Red‑Carpet Bill

TL;DR: Simone Biles rates her odds of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at 50‑50, saying mental health will decide, and disclosed a $23,000 expense for her Laureus Awards outfit.

Biles’ statement came during a live interview at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where she served as an ambassador and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nadia Comaneci. The Olympic champion, who already holds seven gold medals, said the window for deciding her 2028 participation is closing fast.

She told CNN that while her body can be conditioned for another Olympic cycle, the mental side will be the make‑or‑break factor. “Physically, my coaches will get me in shape. I can get myself in shape. We’re really thankful that I’m still healthy. But mental is a huge thing, and it’s a lot of dedication on that, because the road’s not easy,” she said. Biles added that the timeline is now “almost half of 2026,” forcing a rapid decision.

The gymnast also revealed the cost of her red‑carpet preparation: $23,000 for outfit, stylist, hair and makeup. She posted the figure on TikTok, questioning whether such spending is normal for athletes. The expense underscores the growing commercial pressures surrounding high‑profile events.

Biles’ 50‑50 assessment contrasts with the typical Olympic preparation model, where athletes usually lock in their intent years in advance. If she opts out, the United States will lose a marquee contender for a sport that relies heavily on star power for sponsorship and viewership. Conversely, a return would add a proven medalist to a roster already featuring rising talents like Jordan Chiles and Sunisa Lee.

The mental‑health focus reflects a broader shift in elite sport, where athletes increasingly prioritize psychological well‑being over purely physical readiness. Biles’ openness may influence how governing bodies allocate resources for mental‑health support ahead of the 2028 Games.

Watch for an official statement from Biles or her team before the end of 2026, which will clarify the U.S. gymnastics lineup and signal how mental‑health considerations are being integrated into Olympic planning.