Simone Biles: Champion Gymnast, Advocate, and Unwavering Wife

Simone Biles, the unparalleled gymnast and powerful advocate for social change, has experienced a life filled with both extraordinary triumphs and heartbreaking challenges.

Known for her resilience and determination, her personal and professional journey has inspired millions.

Recently, Biles has found herself in the public eye for a reason outside her athletic prowess—defending her husband, Jonathan Owens, from a wave of public criticism following a viral interview that stirred controversy.

It was during a candid and vulnerable moment that Biles revealed how deeply affected she was by the backlash directed at her husband. Owens, a Green Bay Packers player, became the center of online criticism after an appearance on the *Pivot Podcast*.

Reflecting on this experience, Biles admitted, “One night I broke down. It really hurt that they were talking about my husband like that. For me, it’s like, talk about me all you want, but don’t come for my family.”

The controversy erupted after Owens mentioned in the interview that he hadn’t initially known who Simone Biles was when they first met. In recounting their relationship, Owens shared that when they connected through a dating app, he had no idea that she was a world-famous gymnast.

The podcast host, Channing Crowder, was taken aback, playfully asking Owens, “How in the hell did you pull Simone Biles?” Owens responded with humor, laughing, “It’s really how she pulled me.”

Owens explained that while he noticed Biles had a large Instagram following, he wasn’t aware of her celebrity status in gymnastics at the time. This revelation surprised the hosts and many fans, as it seemed hard to believe that Owens, a professional athlete, wouldn’t recognize a global superstar like Biles.

Skeptical, the hosts pressed him further, but Owens stood firm, claiming he simply didn’t follow gymnastics closely enough to know her by name.

His lighthearted comment that “the man is always the catch” sparked backlash, particularly among those who felt it downplayed Biles’ remarkable achievements.

As the interview spread online, some social media users, especially on X (formerly Twitter), began mockingly referring to Owens as “Mr. Biles.” The internet even launched a TikTok trend where women asked their husbands if they knew who Simone Biles was, often followed by questions about her husband’s identity.

The results were predictable: most knew Biles, but very few could name Owens, further emphasizing the disparity between their public profiles.

Adding fuel to the fire, internet sleuths discovered old tweets from Owens during the 2012 London Olympics, where he appeared to be live-tweeting gymnastics events.

This raised eyebrows, as it seemed to contradict his earlier claim of not following the sport. However, many pointed out that Simone Biles’ true rise to international superstardom came during the 2016 Rio Olympics, making it plausible that Owens didn’t recognize her at the time they met.

Despite the growing public criticism, both Biles and Owens handled the situation with grace and confidence. Without directly addressing the backlash, Biles posted a simple message on social media: “Are y’all done yet?”

Owens, meanwhile, posted photos from their wedding in April 2023, captioned “unbothered.” Under the post, Biles reinforced their unity with a comment, “For life.” Biles also shared a wedding photo with the word “Mood,” signaling her unwavering support for her husband amid the online criticism.

Their love story began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite the ongoing attention, their bond remains strong. Biles has often spoken of how supportive Owens has been throughout her career and personal struggles. Their relationship, though frequently in the public eye, has proven to be resilient, with both standing by each other through thick and thin.

Simone Biles’ personal journey is as awe-inspiring as her athletic career. Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, her early life was marked by hardship.

At just three years old, Biles and her siblings were placed in foster care due to their mother’s struggles with substance abuse.

After three years of instability, her maternal grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, adopted her and her younger sister, Adria. This act of love and stability transformed Biles’ life, giving her the foundation she needed to thrive.

It was during a daycare field trip to a gymnastics center that a six-year-old Biles discovered her passion for the sport.

Her coaches immediately recognized her extraordinary talent, and by the age of eight, she was already mastering skills that most gymnasts only dream of. Her rise to the top of the gymnastics world was meteoric, but her journey was not without challenges.

One of the most difficult moments of her career came during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics when Biles experienced the “twisties,” a dangerous phenomenon where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air.

This forced her to withdraw from several events, prioritizing her mental health over the immense pressure to perform. Her decision ignited a global conversation about athletes’ mental well-being, with Biles emerging as a powerful advocate for the importance of mental health in sports.

Off the mat, Biles has faced even greater adversity. She is one of the many survivors of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor who was convicted of $3xually abusing hundreds of athletes.

In 2018, Biles bravely shared her story, stating, “I am not afraid to tell my story anymore. I, too, am one of the many survivors who were $3xually abused by Larry Nassar.” Her courage has been instrumental in pushing for accountability and reforms within USA Gymnastics.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has used her platform to champion mental health, athletes’ rights, and the fight against abuse. Her voice continues to inspire change and empowers others to speak their truth. Whether she’s performing gravity-defying feats in the gym or standing up for justice, Biles is a beacon of hope and resilience.

Simone Biles is more than just a gymnast—she is an extraordinary role model who continues to shape the world around her.

With her unwavering spirit, dedication, and talent, she has shown that there are no limits to what she can achieve. As her journey continues, the world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this remarkable athlete and advocate.