Simone Biles: The Olympian’s Journey from Personal Struggles to Triumphs, Her Marriage, and Potential Return to the Olympics
In the world of sports, few names resonate as powerfully as Simone Biles. A four-time Olympic gold medalist and widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, Biles has become an icon not just for her athletic prowess but for her resilience in the face of personal struggles.
Her journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges, offers a compelling narrative of strength, perseverance, and the complexities of life in the spotlight.
Biles has been candid about her mental health struggles, particularly the trauma she experienced early in life. “Before, I was kind of like pushing down my trauma,” Biles shared in a recent interview.
“Now, I’ve learned to speak on it and kind of release that.” The gymnast, who once viewed therapy as a weakness, now sees it as a source of strength. This shift in perspective has not only helped her manage her past but also empowered her to become an advocate for mental health, inspiring countless others facing similar battles.
Recently, Biles made headlines not for her gymnastics but for her fashion choices at an NFL game. She was seen at Soldier Field supporting her husband, Jonathan Owens, who plays for the Chicago Bears.
Biles wore an oversized jacket featuring black-and-white photos of Owens in action—photos that were taken during his time with the Green Bay Packers, the Bears’ arch-rival. To make matters worse, the jacket prominently displayed a Packers logo, sparking a backlash among die-hard NFL fans.
Despite the uproar, Biles remained unfazed, focused on supporting her husband while recovering from a calf injury sustained during the Olympics.
This appearance came just days after Biles had hinted at a possible return to the Olympics in 2028. Following her triumphant performance in Paris, where she secured three gold medals and one silver, Biles left the door open for a future comeback.
“Is this my last? Definitely the Yurchenko double pike,” she said, referring to one of her signature moves. “But the next Olympics is at home, so you just never know.”
While Biles’ professional life continues to soar, her personal life is marked by a strained relationship with her birth mother, Shannon Biles. Shannon, who struggles with addiction and financial difficulties, has been estranged from her daughter for over two decades.
In a recent interview, Shannon opened up about her decision to surrender custody of Simone and her siblings during her battle with addiction. “It was hard to give up my kids, but I had to do what I had to do,” she explained, expressing a desire for reconciliation.
However, despite her efforts, the rift between mother and daughter remains deep, with Simone reportedly maintaining minimal contact.
Shannon’s life stands in stark contrast to the luxurious lifestyle her daughter enjoys. While Simone lives in a sprawling Texas mansion and drives a sleek Range Rover, Shannon works as a cashier in Columbus, Ohio, struggling to make ends meet.
Despite her financial woes, Shannon insists that her priority is reconciliation, not financial support from her daughter. “Of course, I would accept her help,” she said, “but I’m waiting on her to be able to come to me, sit down. I just have to be patient.”
Amidst her professional success and personal challenges, one constant source of support for Biles has been her husband, Jonathan Owens. The couple, who met on the exclusive celebrity dating app Raya in 2020, married in April 2023.
Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, has been a steadfast supporter of his wife, especially during her struggles with mental health. “I’m going to support her 1,000%,” Owens said in a recent interview, adding that he always tries to be a positive voice for her.
Their relationship has been a source of strength for Biles, particularly after the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she withdrew from several events citing mental health concerns.
Owens, who was there to support her through the difficult time, said, “I was just trying to be as understanding as I could because I wasn’t there. I don’t know the exact emotions, but I was feeling it with her.”
As Biles contemplates her future in gymnastics and the possibility of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Owens remains unwavering in his support.
“If she feels like it is time to focus on life, then that’s what we’ll do,” he said, emphasizing the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal life.
As Biles continues to reflect on her future, the world watches with bated breath. With ten Olympic medals already to her name, she stands on the cusp of surpassing swimming legend Katie Ledecky’s record of 13 medals, which would make her the most decorated U.S. female Olympian in history.
However, Biles has made it clear that her decision to return to the Olympics will not be taken lightly. “There’s a lot of sacrifice that comes with it,” she said, hinting at the possibility of focusing on family life in the coming years.
Whatever the future holds for Simone Biles—whether it’s more Olympic glory or a new chapter in her life—her journey remains an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, love, and the human spirit.
As she continues to break barriers and set new standards in gymnastics, Biles is also redefining what it means to be a champion, both on and off the mat.