Simone Biles Delivers Cryptic Message Amid Retirement Questions

Simone Biles will return to the Summer Olympics later this month as one of the oldest and most accomplished athletes in U.S. gymnastics history, earning a spot on the team at age 27.

What could potentially come next for Biles is still up in the air.

Will Graves of The Associated Press noted that Biles has been quiet about plans for her gymnastics career after the Paris Olympics and questions about her potential retirement, giving a "hint" that she this could be the final chapter of her storied career.

“They want to see the downfall, which is really unfortunate because sports hasn’t seen athletes like we’ve seen before,” Biles said of critics. “So you really have to give them their flowers in the sport because once they’re gone, you’re going to miss them.”

For now, Biles appears focused on what happens in Paris. She spoke about the mental health struggles that led her to withdraw from some events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, saying has something to prove to herself.

Related: Simone Biles Sends Strong Three-Word Message About America Before Olympics

“I think with everything I’ve been through, I want to push the limits, I want to see how far I can go,” Biles said. “I want to see what I’m still capable of so once I step away from this sport, I can truly be happy with my career and say I gave it my all.”