Simone Biles is an extraordinary athlete with an impressive track record. Having clinched a stunning 7 Olympic medals across two Olympic Games, she has undoubtedly etched her name in sports history. However, it was Biles’ courageous decision in 2020 that truly astounded the world. She withdrew from the Tokyo Games, citing the importance of prioritizing her mental health.
In a groundbreaking move, Biles made the difficult choice to withdraw from the Games just before the finals. As a result, she did not compete in the uneven bars, floor, and vault individual all-around finals. Rather than criticizing her decision, the world applauded her bravery, acknowledging that mental health is just as significant as physical health. Biles bravely shared that she was experiencing the “twisties,” a condition where she lost her sense of body awareness in the air, which posed a serious risk to her safety as an athlete.
Since then, Biles has taken time to focus on herself and her mental wellbeing. She dedicated herself to her personal life and found happiness by marrying the love of her life in a joyous ceremony.
Simone Biles’ journey is not solely marked by her accomplishments in gymnastics, but also by the adversity she has overcome. She grew up in a challenging environment, where her biological mother battled substance abuse, leaving her and her siblings with minimal resources. In fact, Biles vividly remembers their meager childhood, where food scarcity was a constant concern. Their situation was so dire that their mother chose to prioritize feeding the family cat over her own children. This experience has left a lasting aversion to cats for Biles.
Due to the difficult circumstances, Biles and her siblings were placed under foster care. Although she doesn’t recall much about her time in the system, she considers herself fortunate to have been able to stay with her siblings. Eventually, Biles and her sister, Adria, found their forever home when they were adopted by their grandparents, Nellie and Ronald Biles. Their older siblings also found loving homes with their father’s sister.
Biles’ extraordinary gymnastics journey began unexpectedly on a field trip when she visited a local gymnasium. It was there that a flyer caught her attention and sparked her passion for the sport. Her mother, Nellie, wholeheartedly supported her and signed her up for gymnastics classes without hesitation. Although Biles was initially unaware of her own potential, those around her recognized her natural talent, secretly appreciating her extraordinary abilities. Her parents stood by her side, providing unwavering support for her flourishing career.
At the recent announcement by USA Gymnastics, it was revealed that Biles is eager to make her return to the world of gymnastics. Fans eagerly await her remarkable comeback as she is set to compete at the 2023 US Classic in August. Joining her in this highly anticipated competition are other esteemed athletes, including 12 Olympic and 16 World Championships roster members. Among them are notable names like Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee and 2020 Olympic floor champion Jade Carey.
A New Chapter in Simone Biles’ Life
In April and May of 2023, Biles celebrated a new chapter in her life by tying the knot with NFL player Jonathan Owens. Their journey began with a simple civil wedding in the United States followed by a more extravagant destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Biles meticulously planned the latter ceremony, even sporting multiple dresses throughout the celebration.
Following their wedding festivities, Biles and her husband settled into their stunning home in Houston. Opting for a modern, minimalist aesthetic, their home has been described as an “LA house, but in Houston.” Biles proudly showcases glimpses of her beautiful abode on social media, granting her fans an intimate look into her life.
In addition to their current home, the couple has recently shared their plans to build a new house together. They excitedly announced this new venture by posting pictures on Instagram of the plot of land where their dream home will stand. Construction began earlier this year, and Biles’ followers patiently await updates on its progress and eventual completion.
Despite the ups and downs she has faced, Biles remains fortunate with a supportive family, a loving partner, and an unwavering passion for her craft. At just 26 years old, she has a bright future ahead and is expected to continue dominating the gymnastics world for years to come.
