“I’m a lot happier and I chose to do this,” Simone reflected to NBC News in August. “So, at the end of the day, whatever happens, happens. But I’m in a good spot mentally and physically, so you can’t take that away from me.”
And while Simone was dealing with physical pain during her performances at the 2024 Olympics—and even sported a boot on her left leg afterward—she had also previously opened up on why she was well equipped to handle it.
“I feel like elite athletes are pretty tough,” she told NBC News. “So, we’re just, through pain or pleasure, we’re ready for whatever.”
As for whether Simone will keep pushing to make it to Los Angeles in 2028? She’d rather you not ask.