Will Simone Biles compete at the upcoming World Artistic Gymnastics Championships this October in Jakarta? The 11-time Olympic medalist hasn’t revealed anything yet. But while her plans remain unclear, another gymnast has had her sights set on the event for quite some time. In fact, she’s been actively preparing by participating in multiple competitions. So dedicated is she to her goal that she didn’t even take a break on her 50th birthday. Who is this athlete? Here’s a hint: She recently earned praise from Simone Biles’s former coach…

Yes, we’re talking about the timeless wonder — Oksana Chusovitina. On June 19, while most would be cutting cakes or relaxing with loved ones, the legendary gymnast chose to celebrate her 50th birthday in a way only she could: preparing to fly through the air at the Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Tashkent. Next day, far from the glitter of party lights, Oksana marked the milestone on the vault runway — and walked away with a silver medal to show for it. Bulgarian Valentina Georgieva took gold, with Oksana’s fellow Uzbek gymnast Shakhinabonu Yusufova claiming bronze. But here’s the incredible twist: when Chusovitina won her world title on floor decades ago, neither Georgieva nor Yusufova had even been born. That’s the kind of longevity that defies time and gravity. And the gymnastics world took notice.

Just a day later, on June 21, Simone Biles’s former coach Cecile Landi gave Oksana her well-deserved flowers. Landi reshared a clip of Oksana’s vault — originally posted by FIGymnastics — with an awestruck reaction. “WOW! Happy Birthday @oksana2016 🥈 at the World Cup for your 50th is beyond impressive!!!” From world titles to World Cups, from teen prodigy to 50-year-old phenom — Oksana Chusovitina’s story is not just remarkable. It’s legendary. And it’s still being written.

Last year, Oksana Chusovitina narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Otherwise, this iconic gymnast—who helped the Unified Team win gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and later earned a silver medal in vault for Germany at the 2008 Beijing Games—might have been adding yet another chapter to her Olympic story. Remarkably, she competed in her eighth Olympic Games in Tokyo, but after falling short of qualifying for the vault final, she bid an emotional goodbye to the sport on the opening day of women’s competition. Of course, that farewell didn’t last long.

This year, she made a strong return, winning the women’s vault title at the Apparatus World Cup in Baku (FIG). In the final, she stunned spectators by successfully executing a 1.5 twisting Tsukahara vault—a daring move that highlighted her continued ambition and skill.

In a discipline where most athletes retire before turning 25, Oksana keeps challenging the norm. Her journey isn’t just inspiring for gymnasts—it’s a beacon for athletes everywhere. And believe it or not, she’s not done yet. There are still goals she’s determined to chase.

Eyes on LA as Simone Biles and Oksana Chusovitina stay quiet

At the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles once again etched her name into the history books — this time as the oldest woman to win the all-around title. At 27, she also became the first gymnast in Olympic history to capture two all-around golds, further solidifying her GOAT status. But with the LA 2028 Games on the horizon, fans are already asking: will she go for one more?

Biles isn’t making any promises. In an April interview with French sports daily L’Équipe, she offered a glimpse into her current priorities: “I’m really trying to enjoy life, to spend time with my husband [Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens], go support him at his games, live my life as a woman.” While Biles is embracing a slower pace, another gymnastics legend is still chasing the Olympic dream with the fire of a newcomer.

Oksana Chusovitina, who turned 50 this June, didn’t need a moment to think when asked about LA 2028. Speaking to Olympics.com, her response was simple, fearless, and completely on brand: “If [LA 2028] happens, it happens. If not, then no. But I will try, and I will give it everything I’ve got.” That’s the essence of Chusovitina — defying limits, defying time, and always giving it her all. Whether it’s her ninth Olympics or simply another step in her legendary journey, one thing’s certain: she’s not done yet.