In a surprising turn of events, Simone Biles, the celebrated gymnast and one of the most decorated athletes in the world, faces potential exclusion from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

According to her coach, Cecile Landi, there are three significant reasons that could lead to this drastic outcome.

Concerns About Physical Fitness and Health

One of the primary concerns cited by Landi is the physical toll that gymnastics takes on athletes.

Despite Biles’ extraordinary achievements, the intense physical demands of the sport raise questions about her ability to maintain peak performance and health until the 2028 Olympics.

Gymnastics is a sport that requires not only exceptional skill but also sustained physical conditioning. Any decline in her physical fitness could jeopardize her ability to compete at the highest level.

The concern is not just about her ability to perform difficult routines, but also about the potential risks of injury, which could be career-ending.

Mental Health Considerations

Mental health has become a crucial factor in athletes’ careers, and Biles has been open about her struggles with mental health, especially during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Landi emphasized that maintaining mental well-being is as important as physical health in ensuring an athlete’s long-term success.

The pressures of competition, media scrutiny, and the expectations of being a role model can take a significant toll on an athlete’s mental health.

If Biles’ mental health is not properly managed, it could lead to her stepping away from the sport, either temporarily or permanently.

This concern is particularly poignant given Biles’ previous decision to withdraw from several events in Tokyo to focus on her mental health.

Regulatory and Procedural Issues

The third reason involves potential regulatory and procedural issues that could affect Biles’ eligibility to compete.

These issues could include changes in the rules governing Olympic qualification or the introduction of new requirements that Biles might find difficult to meet.

Additionally, there could be controversies or disputes related to her participation in international competitions leading up to the Olympics.

Such issues are not uncommon in the world of sports, where rules and regulations can evolve, sometimes in ways that unexpectedly affect even the most seasoned athletes.

The Broader Implications

The possibility of Biles being excluded from the 2028 Olympics has broader implications for the sport of gymnastics and the Olympic movement as a whole.

Biles is not just an athlete; she is a symbol of excellence and resilience.

Her potential absence from the Games would be a significant loss, not only for fans but also for the spirit of the Olympics. It raises important questions about how athletes are supported throughout their careers, especially as they age and face new challenges.

While it is too early to predict whether Simone Biles will be excluded from the 2028 Olympics, the concerns raised by her coach, Cecile Landi, highlight the complex challenges that elite athletes face.

The combination of physical, mental, and regulatory hurdles makes it clear that the road to the Olympics is never straightforward, even for someone as accomplished as Biles.

The coming years will be crucial in determining whether she can overcome these challenges and continue to inspire the world with her incredible talent.