Tag

Simone Biles

Browsing

The most decorated gymnast of all time is eying the Paris Olympics, but says in a new interview that “it won’t absolutely crush me” if it doesn’t happen

Accustomed to reaching new heights in gymnastics, Simone Biles had a low moment after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In an interview for the cover of February’s Vanity Fair, the most decorated gymnast of all time said her experience with the dreaded “twisties” — and the related mental health issues she faced — resulted in a landing far from perfect following the competition.

“I wish I could sit here and tell you it was glorious,” Biles, 26, told the magazine about her two-year hiatus from international competition. “When I took a break after 2016, I had the time of my life. I was doing anything and everything. But after 2020, it was kind of depressing until I started therapy and got help. I felt like a failure.”

She continued, “Even though I was empowering so many people and speaking out about mental health, every time I talked about my experience in Tokyo — because it obviously didn’t go the way that I had planned — it stung a little bit. But all in all, it was the best decision.”

Yet the public narrative which put Biles on a “pedestal as a mental-health advocate” didn’t sit well with the athlete.

“I was not okay with that,” she said. “If I can be a lending hand and help people, then I’ll be open, honest, and vulnerable, but you cannot stick me in front of a crowd and say, ‘Do everything she’s doing.’ ”

SInce her time away from the sport, Biles went on to find personal success away from the mat — marrying Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens last spring — as she gradually mapped a course back to the floor.

In October, the superstar gymnast won her sixth all-around world championship gold in Belgium, and grabbed the record for most international gymnastics medals in the history of the sport.

Legendary gymnast Simone Biles is hoping to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, but it sounds like it’s not guaranteed that she’ll be able to make the trip.

While speaking to Leah Faye Cooper of Vanity Fair, Biles said, “If I don’t make it to Paris, it won’t absolutely crush me.” When asked if that meant nothing was definitive she replied, “Correct.”

The last time Biles competed in the Olympics at the 2020 Tokyo Games, she was forced to withdraw from multiple finals in order to focus on her mental health. She had experienced the “twisties,” which Korin Miller of Women’s Health described as “a strange phenomenon in gymnastics where someone can no longer do a twisting skill they’ve done many times in the past.”

Biles managed to take home the bronze medal on the balance beam in the Tokyo Olympics, which tied the record for most Olympic medals by an American gymnast. However, she took a two-year hiatus from the sport of gymnastics to focus on her mental health, and she admitted it wasn’t easy during her time away.

“I wish I could sit here and tell you it was glorious,” Biles said of her time off following Tokyo. “When I took a break after 2016, I had the time of my life. I was doing anything and everything. But after 2020, it was kind of depressing until I started therapy and got help. I felt like a failure. Even though I was empowering so many people and speaking out about mental health, every time I talked about my experience in Tokyo—because it obviously didn’t go the way that I had planned—it stung a little bit. But all in all, it was the best decision.”

Biles returned to training in late 2022 and returned to competition earlier this year. The 26-year-old set a new record when she won her eighth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in August. She set the record for most international gymnastics medals when she won her sixth all-around title at the world championships in Belgium in October, giving her 34 for her career.

It’s clear that Biles is still at the top of her game, so gymnastics fans are surely hoping to see her add to her illustrious career at the Paris Olympics.

Simone Biles‘ 27th birthday celebration went without any fancy colors or glittery hues, as the gymnast shared previously. In the celebration, her loving mood toward her husband, Jonathan Owens, came out to be prominent. Furthermore, the couple’s furry babies, Rambo, Lilo, and Zeus, made the perfect attendees of the simple celebration that night in their Texan abode. However, the most decorated gymnast savored the familiar company entirely after including a few more loving faces from her inner circle in extending the celebration.

Among those faces, the baby Biles made an aspiring attendance at all the love she usually brings. After noticing her niece at the birthday celebration, the ingenue aunt was on cloud nine. Eventually, the aunt, Simone Biles, made her IG fans witness baby Biles’s presence at the simple party.

Simone Biles’s celebration receives the apple of her eyes as the guest 

On March 18, Simone Biles shared an IG story, divulging more about her birthday celebration. But keeping everyone in awe, baby Biles aka Ronni Biles appeared on that celebration spree. The story showed the year-old niece, with a curious gaze towards her aunt, taking her time to taste a snack bar. The pacified aunt could only give out at the moment with an exchange of love. So, the story’s caption remained that way: “cutie girl[emoji]”. Incidentally, Simone Biles’s brother Ron Biles II was also present in the visual. But for little Ronni Biles, Aunt Simone holds a special place. In previous places as well, the gymnast shared certain spectacles.

Since her birth on November 25, 2022, Ronni Biles has claimed the loving lap of her aunt. Moreover, in narrating her first meeting with the youngest member of the Biles family, Simone penned, “My precious little niece made her debut friday. I’m so proud to be your TT & I’m excited to spoil you!” Since then, the bond strengthened between the Biles with a mixture of love and affection. However, the birthday bash went succulent for Simone Biles as well after the gathering of such homebodies. Moreover, a few more special ones came to the fore to make the birthday occasion more than a special one.

An upcoming special outing sets the mood with a special wish 

Just a few days before Simone Biles’s 27th birthday, her husband Jonathan Owens received his NFL call-out. But this time not from the Green Bay Packers but the Chicago Bears ultimately welcomed the 28-year-old athlete into their squad. Since then, the proud wife has expressed her eagerness to shift to Chicago to witness NFL tussles. Several Tweets have come from her since the contract was signed. In exemplifying the merriment, she once wrote “Also I just love the city of Chicago” on X. Moreover, she also expressed her ethereal love towards the Chicago cuisines. Therefore, Chicago could not stop reciprocating her emotions.

In the quiet hum of a research laboratory in Gainesville, Florida, amidst the flickering glow of computer screens and the scent of late-night research, infant Leanne Wong lay nestled on a couch. Her parents, Marco Wong and Bee Ding, both dedicated research scientists, toiled tirelessly in pursuit of their career endeavors.

“She was part of the group, burning the midnight oil,” shared Marco Wong, the medical director of a biotech company who holds both an M.D. and a Ph.D. Little did they know, their infant daughter would use this very discipline to become a vital member of Team USA’s gymnastics squad while simultaneously pursuing a career in medicine.

As the years passed, Leanne’s path diverged from the sterile confines of the laboratory to the glimmering expanse of an ice skating rink, drawn to the grace and elegance of ice skating. Despite her best efforts, Leanne struggled with the harsh reality of the ice; its unforgiving surface made her fall unbearable. It was amidst these challenges that Leanne discovered a new passion that would shape her destiny.

Her father stumbled upon an interview featuring renowned gymnastics coach Al Fong. Marco ventured to the GAGE Center in Blue Springs, where Leanne would take her first tentative steps into the world of gymnastics. Today, years into this journey, the now 20-year-old Leanne Wong has made history as part of the Florida Gators squad in the 2024 NCAA gymnastics season, is the CEO of Leanne Wong Bowtique, has written a book, and has shared the podium with World Champions and Olympians like Simone Biles.

Leanne Wong’s perspective on competing with icons like Simone Biles for Olympic glory

In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Leanne Wong, the Quest Nutrition partner, opened up about her thoughts on the upcoming Paris Olympics. When questioned, “With Olympians Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas vying for the Paris spot, is there any additional pressure on you?”

The multifaceted gymnast expressed, “It’s amazing to see so many reigning Olympic champions returning to make another Olympic team. The pressure to be one of the gymnasts on the Olympic team is always there, no matter who is trying because there is so much depth in the US National Team.”

Leanne Wong stands as the sole American female gymnast to feature in all three World Artistic Gymnastics teams of the 2021–2024 quadrennium. At just 20 years old, she has already shared the podium with Simone Biles on significant occasions, notably at the 2023 World Championships, where Team USA clinched gold, and at the US National Championships, where she secured bronze behind Biles and Shilese Jones. Reflecting on her burgeoning status in the elite gymnastics arena, let us delve into her aspirations for the Olympic year ahead.

Her Paris Olympic dream

Leanne Wong served as a traveling alternate at the Tokyo Olympics with Team USA. Now, she aims for her second Olympic appearance. Expressing her aspirations in an interview on February 29, 2024, on Gator Tales with Sean Kelley, Wong said, “Paris would be a dream come true for sure. Going there on an Olympic team and getting to compete for Team USA would definitely be a dream come true.” 

Every March, Americans proudly commemorate National Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to honor the diverse and often overlooked achievements of women throughout the annals of history. From the awe-inspiring athleticism of icons like Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas, Suni Lee, and Sha’Carri Richardson, to the pioneering leadership of figures such as  Gretchen Walsh, and Olivia Dunne, each of these women has left an indelible mark on society.

Yet, no amount of appreciation can adequately encapsulate the magnitude of their impact. These extraordinary individuals have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also inspired countless others to dream big and defy expectations. As a poignant tribute to their achievements, LSU Tigers, renowned for their unwavering support of women and sports, shared a heartfelt reel commemorating this special occasion.

Tribute to women’s sporting legends
The reel on X commenced with each LSU athlete expressing, “I’m greater because of her.” Hailey Van Lith, 22, a standout in women’s basketball since 2020, initiates the conversation with a reflection on her sources of inspiration. Beyond the boundaries of basketball, she acknowledges the impact of athletes like Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas, and Simone Biles. Alongside legends within her own sport, such as Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.

Echoing Hailey’s sentiments, other athletes like Bailey Ortega, Kelley Lynch from softball, Jayden Humbyrd from soccer, and Gabriel White from track and field, contribute their perspectives. Each athlete shares personal anecdotes highlighting the diverse sources of motivation that drive their athletic pursuits

From idolizing Olympic champions like Jordyn Poulter to drawing inspiration from familial role models and friends who triumph over adversity, these stories resonate with the broader theme of empowerment and representation in sports. Together, they advocate for inclusivity and recognition of women’s achievements across all athletic endeavors. However, Simone Biles’s impact in sports is seen both on and off the mats.

Simone Biles’ triumph over adversity

Simone Biles isn’t just a record breaker but an inspiration for countless women and girls worldwide. Even though she was raised by her grandparents due to her mother’s struggle with addiction. Biles’s journey embodies the transformative influence on gymnastics. Beyond her remarkable athletic achievements, Biles has fearlessly championed mental health awareness.

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast ever, marked 27 years of celebrated life on the 14th of March. With Jonathan Owens’ recent $4.5 million lucrative deal with the Chicago Bears and her joyous instance of love and growth, the couple had much to celebrate for the week. Thus, though the birthday remains days in the past, the festivities continue for the couple.

“Had to make sure my lady was there through every step,” Jonathan Owens wrote as he inked the deal with Simone Biles on the other end of the call. A day later, a weekend of jubilation awaited the two in warm colors. From starter sip to personalized menu, here’s what the duo’s days entailed.

A joyous weekend for Simone Biles

In her Instagram story updates, Simone Biles shared her day beginning with a welcome drink in champagne glasses while rose petals enveloped a unit in the background. “Birthday weekend,” she wrote to commence. However, that was just the start of the celebrations. With a “checked in” message from the gymnast next, a glimpse of the decorated room made the lineup next. Pinks and violates filled the frame in the shape of numerous balloons, a rose-adorned cake, and butterfly-topped cupcakes.

As Simone Biles took her followers on the room tour next, one wouldn’t miss the love it exuded. Rose petals embraced the floors and the bed in petite as candles fit it well to enhance. After what seemed like a sauna in the following update, a pretty dinner date made the itinerary for the duo. In the posts shared by Jonathan Owens, the dinner menu had “Happy Birthday Simone!” making the headline before the lavish fare. The scenes entailed nothing less than leisure, luxury, and exuberance. And rightly so, as the two celebrate each other’s milestone, though in different domains.

Double delight for the couple

Simone Biles’ birthday fell right in the midst of one of Jonathan Owens’ biggest moments in life. His 2-year $4. 5 million contract with the Chicago Bears became the most lucrative deal of his NFL career since joining in 2018. “so proud of you baby!” Biles had written as the news made it to the enthusiasts’ knowledge. The gymnast also cherished the benefits the deal held and continued with the excitement for days. As the Olympian indulged in the happy run of the news, Owens ensured to pen a gratitude note in love and reciprocation.

“Happy birthday to the most beautiful soul, my amazing wife… you’ve made me a better man in so many ways I can’t explain it. My heart, my rock and my best friend all in one. I love you so much baby,” his post read. As the two mark a glistening start to the year, they look ahead to the massive challenges their careers hold for the season.

The 2020 Olympics silver medalist Jordan Chiles has had numerous accolades on big stages throughout her illustrious career. Along with her own goals, Chiles never forgets to extend her gratitude to the people who have stood beside her during the trying times. On multiple occasions, the 2022 world champion has mentioned that America’s most decorated gymnast Simone Biles is one of her biggest support systems who has helped her across rough patches.

The dynamic duo were national teammates at the Tokyo Games, and while Biles withdrew from the finals, Chiles had to fill in the void as best as she could. Now, days after Simone’s 27th birthday, Jordan once again took to social media to emphasize how her best friend has impacted her life.

Simone Biles receives appreciation from best friend Chiles

In her latest Instagram story, Chiles shared her gratitude for having Simone in her life. “You always have that one person that can change your whole life. And this my friend is you,” stated Chiles with overwhelming emotion, referring to Biles. The accompanying image shows Jordan and Simone sharing a candid moment in a photoshoot. The comment from Chiles came in June last year after the two took on the Olympic team trials for the Tokyo Olympics together. And now, ahead of Paris, her statement has resurfaced.

The IG story of Chiles shares the original post by another Instagram account (Simone Biles Fan Army) which sought to highlight how the explosive duo has evolved but has remained steadfast in their support of each other. “From the World Stage to The Real Life Scene, Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles are Perfect Friends as They are Each Other’s Support System“, reads the caption of the IG post.

Jordan and Simone have gone through highs and lows together multiple times together and have always made sure to cheer the loudest when one of them stepped onto the floor. While Chiles basks in the moment after signing a huge contract deal, this wouldn’t be the first time America’s favorite gymnastics duo looked to each other for emotional support.

Standing for each other through thick and thin

Only two days ago, when the country came together to mark Simone’s birthday, Jordan wasn’t far behind. “Happy birthday to my ride or die, my other half, my best friend, my partner in crime, and my big sis!!” sounded Chiles’ sonorous IG story, drawing the attention of the world to her love for Simone. Chiles also didn’t hesitate to bash Biles’ critics when doubts cast a long shadow on the latter’s gymnastics career and made sure to make Simone understand that her skills were beyond reproach.

In 2018, when Chiles was pondering the chances of stepping away from gymnastics for good, it was Biles who helped her cast the lingering thoughts aside and make her return to action. Their love of standing beside each other was highlighted once again in an uncanny manner as both Chiles and Biles had to watch the 2024 Winter Cup from the sidelines. Now, with the Olympic team trials around the corner, it waits to be seen if the fast friends can catch the flight to Paris together once again.

The past week has been an extraordinary celebration for gymnastics queen Simone Biles. March 14, 2024, marked the joyous occasion of her 27th birthday, a milestone met with love and excitement around the world. Adding to the jubilation, her beloved husband, Jonathan Owens, penned a lucrative two-year contract with the prestigious Chicago Bears, affirming a new chapter of success and triumph in his professional journey.

Amidst the whirlwind of festivities, Mr. and Mrs. Owens found themselves immersed in the enchanting allure of Chicago, Illinois, on a romantic escapade to revel in their shared achievements and the bond of their love. The gymnastics phenom allured her 7.1 million followers with a sneak peek into the continued celebrations.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens’ weekend of celebrations begins

Simone Biles, ever the beacon of infectious joy, graciously invited her fans into their intimate celebrations through captivating snapshots on her Instagram stories. She shared a series of captivating stories, beginning with a charming toast with mimosa glasses to kick off her “birthday weekend.” Subsequent tales unveiled their opulent hotel room, adorned with vibrant balloons, captioned “Checked in.”

The following slides showcased a stunning coral and pink butterfly-themed birthday cake, encircled by delicate mini purple butterfly cupcakes, complemented by birthday balloons, exuding elegance. A tender glimpse into their private sanctuary revealed a luxuriant bathtub decorated with fragrant rose petals. As we marvel at these adorable moments, this post by the gymnastics legend comes just hours after Jonathan Owens officially became a Bear.

JO officially signed to the Chicago Bears

Just hours before their festivities began, Jonathan Owens officially inked his contract with the Chicago Bears. Though physically apart, he ensured Simone Biles was present virtually, keeping her on video call during the signing. Sharing the heartwarming moment in his stories, he wrote, “Had to make sure my lady was there through every step of it all,” capturing the essence as he posed with his phone, Simone on the other end.

In his Instagram post expressing his excitement for the new journey, Simone Biles, filled with pride for her partner, commented, “🤍🤍🤍so proud of you baby! can’t wait to see what this year holds! BEAR DOWN.” As the couple indulges in this romantic escapade, fans eagerly anticipate further glimpses into their intimate celebrations.

As Simone Biles celebrated her 27th birthday, family members took to social media to share tributes to the athlete – including some adorable photos from her childhood.

Her sister Adria shared some cute snaps from when Simone was little, showing that she hasn’t really changed at all. In the picture, Simone had a huge smile on her face as she held a baby doll, while her sister stood behind her.

She added a second picture of the two together, which saw baby Simone putting an arm round her sister’s shoulders with that signature grin.

Her sister wrote: “Happy Birthday to my built-in best friend! 27 looks great on you sister”, adding: “Thank you for always looking after me, supporting me and keeping me mostly sane”.

She signed off the post, saying: “ilysfm you’re the best big sister” with a heart emoji.

The photos showed that the gymnast, who stands at 4 foot 8 inches tall, still looks as she did when she was a kid.

Her husband Jonathan Owens also shared a birthday message for the 27-year-old, accompanying photos of them kissing on the beach.

“Happy birthday to the most beautiful soul, my amazing wife. So crazy to me how life aligns you with the person that you’re meant to be with, you’ve made me a better man in so many ways I can’t explain it.”

“My heart, my rock, and my best friend all in one. I love you so much baby, this is going to be a special year for you and I can’t wait to support you every step along the way”, he added.

Simone has arguably had to support Jonathan a lot in the past year, as two weeks after they tied the knot in April 2023, he moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin and they started their marriage long distance.

Recently though, the Safety football star moved to the Chicago Bears. Simone wrote on Twitter: “So incredibly proud of my husband”, she added: “The grind never stops! This is just the beginning!”

In the realm of sports and celebrity endorsements, distance is often seen as a barrier to negotiations and deals. However, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has defied this notion by sealing a remarkable $4.5 million deal with her partner Jonathan Owens, despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship. While Simone is lacing up for her Gold Over America 2024 Tour, her husband is also stepping up in his career.

While details of the deal remain undisclosed, industry insiders speculate that it involves endorsements, partnerships, and collaborative projects that showcase Biles and Jonathan Owens‘ shared values and interests. Stay tuned to know this groundbreaking deal, shedding light on how Biles continues to inspire and break barriers in the worlds of sports and personal life.

Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles defy the distance

he former Green Bay Packers star, Jonathan Owens shared an Instagram post where he was seen taking the major step as a Chicago Bears member. He was seen signing the contract and expressed his gratitude towards the new journey. During this special moment, Simone Biles could not ensure her physical presence besides him.

But further a story depicted the bond between them when he shared a selfie with Simone Biles present through a FaceTime, following which he wrote, “Had to make sure my lady was there through every step of it all 🤞🏽🤎”. The gymnast could be seen with a wide grin on her face, which shows how they managed to not let distance come between them.

Simone Biles defied the odds and ensured that she would be present on her husband’s big day. The happiness in their smiles depict the contentment. Furthermore, Jonathan Owens shared their virtual meeting with the world and clearly expressed that they are able to manage their long-distance relationship with no effort. They can be present in each other’s special moments, and would continue to do so.

Triumph over distance: The mutual support that keeps them strong

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens have always been proving the world wrong together. They both celebrate each other’s achievements with pride. One incident can prove this, when the gymnast was seen wearing her husband’s Jersey number during his match with 49ers. Jonathan Owen’s valentine tribute to his wife, where he called her as his “Rock”, depicts his side of love.

This groundbreaking deal serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs alike, showcasing the importance of strategic planning, perseverance, and resilience. As the 28-year old has bid farewell to his last home in only a year, he seems to like the new camp. However, as the couple step into a long-distance relationship now, they are making sure nothing finds its way between their unmatched support for each-other to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.