Life after gymnastics. That question has always kept the gymnastics world thoughtful. Usually, the challenges the sport brings in for the athletes have made the question far more intense. Remember what Simone Biles said about it in the documentary, Simone Biles Rising? “What I miss most about gymnastics is the freedom with my body. The ability that I have in the gym is not normal.” So, when the question comes about her, the realm takes a serious interest. Why not? A career that has seen someone rack up 41 medals in the Olympics and World Championships has every right to be discussed and followed. Furthermore, Simone has been in the sport for 21 long years, defying every odds. So anybody could expect what her retirement might mean for the gymnastics community. But don’t mix things with what her critics and the band of naysayers have always been putting in.
Especially Simone’s withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics because of her twisties attracted a lot of flak regarding her mentality. Subsequently, the question of her retirement followed. Nonetheless, the gymnast gave those critics fitting answers through her performance in the Paris Olympics. But again, there’s a collective curiosity about her post-gymnastics career. Has she thought something about it? Does she have any plans in her store regarding her life after she retires from sports?
At 27, such questions are not unusual to Simone Biles. In fact, in the French capital, she was the oldest American female gymnast to compete in the Olympics in decades. So, questions are there for her in the air and she might face more in the coming days. Perhaps she faced one in Variety’s recent interview. Hold on. The press release had the answer, and it clearly explained her role on the board of Religion of Sports (ROS). And what does it tell? Per it, the partnership between Simone and ROS will focus on “a natural evolution of Biles’ entrepreneurial and storytelling journey, expanding her influence beyond her competitive career in the gym—regardless of whether she competes again.” Too many storylines in one place, right? Let’s open those one by one.
First, what is ROS? In Simone’s life story, that’s not an uncommon name. She has been with the company for the last five years. In these five years, the cooperation between the two has given birth to projects like Simone Biles Rising on Netflix and the Facebook Watch series, “Simone vs Herself.” Relevant to mention that both presentations have been extremely successful, by allowing the fans to have a new lens to watch the Olympian closely. Furthermore, it has always been the unique storytelling approach that made those presentations a treat to watch. But after five long years, it has been about thinking about the next step.
However, Simone Biles has had that independence at ROS founded by three like-minded individuals. You might know two or all of them. Well, the media brand has three names in its founders’ list, the NFL stalwarts Tom Brady and Michael Strahan and the renowned documentarian, Gotham Chopra. Soon, there will be Biles’ name on the board, among the first liners. But what will be the additional change this time? The previous programs have earned overwhelming success, no? So what will be the extra this time?
Reportedly, Simone Biles’ new role in ROS will see her producing and directing projects for other athletes. She will have autonomy. In that way, she will take a call on other female athletes who can use the platform. She will make space for the stories that deserve to be heard. On this topic, Simone further added, “I think there are really critical conversations that need to be heard around sports, through mental health and athletes — just even in the Black and brown community.” According to ROS CEO Ameeth Sankaran, there might be a few more responsibilities for Simone in the role. In the coming days, everything will take better shape. But will this new role put an end to her professional gymnastics career? Simone Biles has yet to provide a straightforward answer to that. But she has already shared a large chunk about it.
Simone Biles has nothing left to achieve on the mat
Serving the sport for two decades and winning almost every elite gymnastics contest, Simone Biles has nothing to prove. In fact, her ardent fans have yet to be sure about her chances of participation in the LA Olympics. Back in August last year, right after the Paris Olympics, the Texas native fueled the discussion.
In an interaction, Simone said, “Never say never. The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know. But I am getting really old.” In January of this year, she took a step forward by responding to her possibility of competing in the Los Angeles Olympics. In her conversation with Sports Illustrated in January this year, Simone said, “Life and death, because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again, and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done.”
She further noted, “If you go back, you’ll be greedy. Those are the consequences. But that’s also your decision to decide. What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like prom, college. Now it’s like starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?” Any answer to that? Maybe not. However, her new role might give her the needed target she wants to fulfill in the sport.
