When Simone Biles made her triumphant Olympic return in Paris 2024 after overcoming the twisties, Serena Williams was among the most vocal supporters cheering her on from the stands at Bercy Arena. At that moment, Biles had little opportunity to return the favor, as Williams had stepped away from professional tennis in 2022. But four years later, the 23-time Grand Slam champion is back on the court at the age of 44, and for Biles, this represents a chance to experience something she never had before: seeing her idol compete live.

On June 30, Laureus Sport shared a video on Instagram featuring Biles' heartfelt reaction to Williams' return. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist revealed her genuine excitement: "I feel like it's everyone's dream come true to see Serena compete again. I never got the opportunity besides on the TV, so hopefully now in person I'll get to go see her since she's competing again."

Williams' last match before her comeback was on September 2, 2022, when she lost to Ajla Tomljanović in the third round of the US Open. At that time, Biles was not in attendance, but she did pay tribute to Serena after the tennis icon announced she was stepping away. Biles thanked her for "transcending sports," recognizing the profound impact Williams had made beyond tennis.

Now, with Williams set to compete at Wimbledon after accepting a wildcard, Biles finally has a chance to witness her greatness in person. The American gymnast also spoke about Williams' influence far beyond the court. "But she's an incredible human on and off the court, in sports, in business. She's a woman that truly does it all and gives us the power to believe that even when you think you're done, you might have a little bit left in you," Biles said.

The admiration between these two legends has never been one-sided. Following Biles' withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics due to the twisties, Williams wrote a tribute to the gymnast for the TIME 100 list, saying, "I wish I had her to look up to when I was younger and trying to realize my dreams." That mutual respect has only deepened over the years.

Now, as Williams embarks on her comeback, she carries a philosophy that resonates with Biles: "I don't need to win. I've won more than most people have in their whole lives. It's important that I keep reminding myself of that because I don't have anything to prove. I don't have anything to lose." Biles found particular inspiration in those words. "And she even said like, 'I have nothing to lose, I have everything to gain at this point,' which is really, really cool. And someone of her stature to say it gives us the power to believe. I'm rooting for her, obviously," Biles shared.

If one of the greatest athletes of all time can come back with nothing to lose and everything to gain, could Simone Biles one day do the same at 29? The question hangs in the air as the gymnastics world watches her next move.

Could Simone Biles Follow Serena Williams' Path?

Simone Biles has not returned to the gym since winning three gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and she has hardly watched any gymnastics events since. But even after taking a long break, Biles has not officially retired, leaving the door open for another Olympic comeback. However, Paris showed her how much her body had endured.

The 11-time Olympic medalist recalled struggling to walk back to the Paris Olympic Village and even needing to use an elevator because climbing stairs had become a challenge. That sobering reality has left her LA 2028 plans very much up in the air. She is 29 now but will be 31 during the Los Angeles Olympics. For a gymnast, that age is far beyond the typical peak, though Biles has already defied conventional timelines throughout her career.

Earlier this year, Biles acknowledged that she remains undecided about pursuing another Olympic cycle. "I feel like we're still at a 50-50… Now it's almost half of 2026, so we're gonna have to make these decisions pretty quickly," she said. The clock is ticking, but those closest to her have not completely ruled out another return. Former coach Laurent Landi has continued to express optimism, reportedly encouraging Biles to keep the possibility alive by telling her, "Give me two years."

If Biles decides to resume training later in 2026, there would still be enough time to build toward the Los Angeles Olympics. But the window is gradually narrowing. For now, retirement remains off the table, but so does a commitment to LA28. The path Williams has taken—returning at an age where most athletes have long retired—serves as a powerful example. Williams, at 44, is proving that age is just a number when passion and purpose remain strong.

A Shared Legacy of Greatness

Both Biles and Williams have redefined what it means to be elite in their respective sports. Biles, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, has pushed the boundaries of difficulty and artistry. Her vaults, floor routines, and balance beam performances have introduced new elements that few can replicate. Williams, on the other hand, has dominated tennis with a combination of power, precision, and mental toughness that has inspired a generation of athletes, including Biles.

The bond between them goes beyond mere admiration. They have supported each other through high-pressure moments, with Williams attending Biles' Olympic performance in Paris and Biles now hoping to return the favor at Wimbledon. This cross-sport friendship highlights the unique camaraderie that exists among the world's top athletes, who understand the sacrifices and struggles required to reach the pinnacle of their fields.

Serena Williams' comeback is not just a personal achievement; it is a statement about the enduring power of sport. She has shown that greatness does not have an expiration date. Her decision to accept a wildcard into Wimbledon at 44 has generated tremendous buzz, drawing record ratings and media attention. In her first-round match, despite a loss, ESPN posted its largest first-round ratings ever for Wimbledon, demonstrating the immense public interest in her return.

For Biles, watching this unfold from the sidelines may plant a seed. The gymnast has always been a pioneer, unafraid to speak out about mental health, athlete well-being, and the pressures of competition. Her own journey from the twisties to Olympic gold in Paris is a testament to resilience. Now, seeing Williams embrace a similar mindset of having nothing to lose could inspire Biles to contemplate her own future one more time.

However, gymnastics is a sport with a very short prime. Most elite gymnasts retire in their early 20s, but Biles has already extended her career well beyond the norm. The physical toll is significant, and she has been open about the pain and recovery involved. Yet, the possibility of competing in Los Angeles—a home Games—is a tantalizing prospect. The thought of performing in front of a home crowd, with the support of a nation, might be enough to lure her back.

Williams, for her part, has been candid about her own motivations. "I don't need to win. I've won more than most people have in their whole lives," she said. That freedom from expectation is liberating, and it is a mindset that Biles could adopt if she chooses to return. The gymnast has already achieved everything there is to achieve: multiple Olympic golds, world championships, and the adoration of fans worldwide. A return would not be about proving anything but about enjoying the sport she loves.

As the sporting world watches Serena Williams compete once more, the ripple effects are being felt across disciplines. Simone Biles, like many others, is drawing inspiration from this remarkable comeback. Whether that inspiration leads her back to the gym or simply fuels her appreciation for the moment, one thing is certain: the legacy of both athletes continues to grow, and their stories are far from over.

Source: Yahoo Sports News