Tag

Simone Biles

Browsing

Witnessing Simone Biles perform on the global stage is to behold the pinnacle of dedication and talent. Yet, amid the breathtaking flips and twists, there lies a quieter yet equally profound demonstration of support—the unwavering presence of her parents, Nellie and Ronald Biles. Despite not being her biological parents, their boundless love and encouragement for Simone are unmistakable.

Recently, as Simone Biles embarked on a well-deserved holiday with her husband Jonathan Owens, it felt like a belated honeymoon, a chance to savor the bliss they missed out on last year due to work commitments. While miles may separate Simone from her mother, their bond remains unbreakable, with her mother’s unwavering support visible even from afar.

The touching words from her mom melted hearts!

Two days ago, Simone Biles shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, featuring a series of captivating images. In one, she and her husband Jonathan Owens embraced each other. Another showcased their elegance as they posed alongside the horse, with Simone stunning in a black gown that added an extra sparkle to the scene.

The third image captured them atop the horse, their love radiating through each frame. Despite the simplicity of the caption, “in good company,” the comment that stole hearts came from Simone’s mother, expressing her maternal pride with a simple yet powerful “beautiful.” Simone Biles owes much of who she is today to her parents.

Introduced to gymnastics at the young age of six by Ronald and Nellie, they not only fostered her passion but also owned the renowned World Champions Centre, where Simone honed her skills. However, amidst Simone’s incredible achievements and the legacy of her family’s gymnastics centre, questions arise about her adoption and her biological parents.

Unveiling Simone Biles’ heart-wrenching past

Simone Biles, faced early hardships due to her biological mother’s struggles with substance abuse, leading to her frequent incarceration. In 2017, Simone shared on Dancing With the Stars that her maternal grandfather, Ronald, and his wife, Nellie, stepped in to provide the loving care she needed. At just three years old, Simone entered foster care, but she cherished the visits to her grandparents, finding solace and joy in their presence.

Eventually, her grandfather made a heartfelt gesture, inviting her to call them “Mom and Dad,” a moment that marked the beginning of a profound bond that would shape Simone’s life. To Simone, Ronald and Nellie are not just her grandparents but the loving figures who rescued her and showed her the meaning of unconditional love and kindness.

Simone Biles may be a four-time Olympic gold medalist, a record-smashing gymnast and one of the greatest athletes of all time but Jonathan Owens claims he didn’t know who his now-wife was when they met. The NFL player told The Pivot podcast that he didn’t watch the Olympics so didn’t know who Biles was. “When she won the Olympics, I was in college, and we didn’t have NBC, we didn’t have Olympics channels, and we were in [training] camp in late July, early August,” he claimed.

“I didn’t know who she was at the time. But like, the first thing that I saw was that she just had a bunch of followers. So in my mind I’m like, ‘OK, she’s got to be good.’’ Owens stunningly went on to say he believes he is “the catch” in the partnership. “I always say that the men are the catch,” he said while sitting next to his wife and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. After being widely mocked on the internet for his claim, Mr Simone Biles took to Instagram to suggest he was “unbothered” by the criticism. “Just know we locked in over here,” he said.

Simone Biles has taught Jonathan Owens how to be a celebrity! Well, Owens might be an inevitable member of the Green Bay Packers, he was never quite accustomed to being a celebrity. While the stardom does feel great initially, along with it comes some added stress and complications. Renowned athletes can seldom step out in public without the fear of getting mobbed. And quite expectedly, Simone Biles too, faces such problems.

Being the gymnastic queen of America, Biles has a huge fan following. Fans often surround her to get her autographs and pictures. Although Owens found it hard to adapt to the changes initially, he credited his beloved wife significantly for helping him get accustomed to the changing environment.

Jonathan Owens learned to tackle fans from Simone Biles 

The noted NFL star sat down with The Pivot Podcast and spoke on a variety of subjects. At one point in their discussion, Owens reflected on how his relationship with Simone Biles had changed his life. While Jonathan Owens earns a whopping $1,010,000 average annual salary with the Green Bay Packers, his popularity was in no way similar to that of Simone Biles.

Touching upon the subject, the 28-year-old stated that Biles deals with her fans in a mature way. On the contrary, Owens admitted to being impatient and getting annoyed easily. However, giving full credit to his wife, Owens elaborated on how he helped her with his issues. He said, “She helped me transition into the spotlight because before I met her I was just a regular NFL player.”

Owens also marveled at how well Biles attended each of her fans, with a smile on her face. However, according to the NFL star, the US gymnastics icon is nice just to avoid a scene as things could easily escalate between a fan and a famous entity. As the interview went on, the Packers’ safety recalled a hilarious incident from the past.

The time when Jonathan Owens was a photographer 

Owens usually enjoys all the perks of having Simone Biles as his wife. However, sometimes, the cons can also come up unexpectedly. Reminiscing one such moment, Owens narrated an incident when the duo went out to eat at a restaurant. As soon as they had started to enjoy their sumptuous delicacies, a fan came up to Simone Biles and asked for a picture with her.

Being the nice person Biles is, she agreed, but there was a problem. Who would click the picture? Alas! The fan handed over his cell phone to Jonathan Owens and requested him to don the responsibility of a photographer. With no other option left, Owens, although unwillingly got the job done, even though he did not like it, with his mouth full of food!

Before glowing in the holiday spree in Oahu, Hawaii, Simone Biles penned a 6-word message for husband, Jonathan Owens. “Prepare to be sick of me,” the maven wife requested her husband after having a chance in the tropical climate. The next few days, the couple continued to win over relationship targets, dismissing all the doubts. Moreover, the much-needed vacation also displayed Simone Biles trying some personal favorites that were never in public before.

The equestrian love was among those relished flashes. Previously, the 26-year-old gymnast flaunted her time spent with an equine through her IG share. Now, it was time for the NFL major to accompany her.

Simone Biles proves her love on an entirely new level 

Last time, when Simone Biles made Jonathan Owens ride on an equine on the beaches of Oahu, he was full of excitement. “She got me out here on a horse”, the husband claimed. However, on March 9, Simone Biles shared a lot of occurrences from that riding tour with a satisfying tone. In five posted snaps on IG, the 7x Olympic champion kept the climate and the equine witness as she continued to add episodes in her love-outings with JO. It captioned, “in good company [emoji]”. The toned body and Hawaiian shirt – all were present in the scenes. But the moment was ameliorated with JO’s acknowledgment in the comment box: “The only person who could get me on a horse[emoji]”. 

In Oahu, the lovely duo appeared to maintain an invitation from their close peers, Keely Amelia Cartrett and her beau, Kamu Grugier-Hill. So, achieving a prized chance away from the limelight influenced Mr. and Mrs. Owens to sip the moments wholeheartedly. Their several nourishments in the places of Oahu gleefully attested to that.

One vacation, a bagful of memories to savor

An exotic love for tropical destinations keeps diluted Simone Biles from time to time. In her conversation with the Olympics. com, she disclosed her dream honeymoon destination on the French Polynesian island, Bora Bora. But the worldly engagements kept the couple far away from managing their time for such romantic endeavors. However, the usual climate of Oahu quenched some of that brewing thrust when the couple shifted there for a few days. Eventually, that let slip a few chances for Biles and JO to discover each other again.

When Simone flaunted her toned, chiseled body in an oceanic-blue bikini on an IG post clicked in Oahu, JO savored the moment by commenting, with a heart and fingers-crossed emojiMoreover, the unspoken love was fairly present when they roamed along the coast, in a relaxed posture, caring less for courtesy. That even compelled the renowned gymnast to shift their newly formed shelter from Texas to such a scenic place. “Point me to the nearest realtor” was her indulgence. Now again, that vacation ruled the moment, giving new heights.

Having first tried gymnastics at age 6 on a day-care field trip, a peerless gymnastic career ensued for Simone Biles. Currently boasting 37 medals across Worlds and the Olympics under her belt, the 26-year-old is also popular as a mental health advocate. But this merit of hers didn’t show up suddenly. Behind it lies a life full of struggles and adjustments. Especially being a foster child, her belief system was plagued early.

Biles signed up for coach Aimee Boorman at age eight after showing exceptional progress on her first try. But as she started unlocking prowess and bagging medal after medals, something else came in the way, which necessitated a visit to the psychologist at a very tender age.

Simone Biles’ early career setback

In Spa Business 2023, Biles headlined the 4th issue of the magazine. Having competed at her first Olympic Games at age 16, the 26-year-old now understands how much importance self-belief holds. “When I was growing up and realized I had a gift for gymnastics, I was afraid of being great and would self-sabotage”, said the 7x Olympic medalist.

Though it sounds unlikely for a gymnast of measure to have a thought process like this, young Simone strived to believe in her abilities. She had to visit a psychologist to rebuild her belief system from scratch. After which, she said, “I know now that you can’t be afraid of being great or to unleash that power in your mind because you can open yourself up to so many things”

Now, navigating through popularity like a pro and also helping her husband with that, the Olympian leads a worry-free life. The voice of ‘with great power comes great responsibility’ tried to stop her endeavors. But “I’ve become a lot better at blocking out that noise“, asserts that Simone Biles will justify her GOAT title more. But the Tokyo Olympic setback played the greatest role in molding her as a person.

Biles’ transformed self, inspired the world

After Tokyo, I was able to teach people that it’s okay not to be okay”, said the 4x Olympic gold medalist. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles faced the hardest blow when ‘Twisties’ hit her mid-routine. After withdrawing from the competition, she said, “It’s very scary and dangerous for gymnasts and can’t be fixed overnight. It can take weeks and months.”

For two years, she has been on a hiatus until she made her comeback at the US Hydration Core Classic in 2023. “I needed to stop and sit down” was what she felt when a mental block tried to halt her career abruptly. Second year into her comeback and also the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics, will she be in full spirits to sweep titles this time?

 

No matter how much you know about gymnastics, everyone knows Simone Biles. Known as the GOAT in the gymnastics world, she has broken countless records and currently has five skills named after her. To get a skill named after them, a gymnast must successfully land the skill in competition at a world-championship-level meet.

THE BILES ON FLOOR
The first skill she got in the rulebook, the original Biles, is a double layout with a half twist at the end on Floor Exercise.

Known as a very common college and elite-level skill, the double layout is something very few gymnasts will ever compete in. For someone like Simone Biles, this skill was simply too easy, so she added a twist to bring it to her level. She continues adding to the skill and has completed it with a front layout added at the end.

Difficulty Value: G

(Difficulty levels in gymnastics are on an alphabetical scale, with A-level skills being the easiest.

THE BILES II ON FLOOR

This skill is a triple twisting double back on Floor Exercise (two flips and 3 twists in a tucked position). She first successfully completed it in 2019, and before then, this skill had only ever previously been done by men.

Difficulty value: J

THE BILES ON BEAM

This skill is a dismount off of Balance Beam, a double twisting double back (two flips and two twists in a tucked position).

There was a lot of controversy surrounding this skill, as many people believed it should have been given a higher difficulty score. The reason USA Gymnastics gave for lowballing was because they didn’t want to encourage other people to attempt the skill without the proper training (which, in my opinion, is a terrible excuse).

Difficulty value: H

THE BILES ON VAULT

Her first vault skill is a roundoff entry with a half turn onto the vault table and two full twists off. This skill is unique because of the half turn onto the vault table, as most roundoff entry vaults continue to go backward onto the table.

Difficulty value: 6.0

(Vault skills are given a numerical difficulty value to be added to the artistry score given.)

THE BILES II ON VAULT

Her most recent mind-boggling skill, the Yurchenko double pike, was officially given the name Biles II in 2023. This skill involves a roundoff back handspring entry onto the vault and two flips off in a piked position. She was the first woman to land this skill successfully, and it’s currently the most challenging vault skill in the women’s rulebook.

Difficulty value: 6.4

Simone Biles, a force to be reckoned with in the realm of artistic gymnastics, distinguishes herself as the wealthiest gymnast worldwide, underscoring her dominance both in and out of the arena. Her unmatched skill, unwavering determination, and extensive list of accomplishments have solidified her legacy in gymnastic history. As the epitome of gymnastic excellence and unparalleled success, Biles not only boasts numerous world records and accolades but also surpasses her counterparts from around the world in terms of net worth.

Origins

Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, to Shannon Biles and Kelvin Clemons. Her biological father was absent from her life from the start. Shannon faced the challenge of supporting four children while battling alcoholism and drug addiction, resulting in young Biles and her siblings spending years in foster care. However, three years later, her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, adopted the siblings.

At the age of six, Biles witnessed teenage gymnasts practicing in a gymnasium during a daycare field trip. Captivated by their movements, she began mimicking their actions. Observing her potential, the coaches at the gym took notice and recommended enrolling her in a training center. Thus, Biles embarked on her journey at Bannon’s Gymnastix Center, laying the foundation for her illustrious gymnastics career.

Her achievements

With a remarkable tally of 30 World Championship medals — comprising 23 gold, four silver, and three bronze — Biles stands as the most decorated gymnast in the history of World Championships. Her collection of seven Olympic gymnastics medals ranks her ninth on the all-time list. In 2019, Biles shattered the record for the most World Championship medals in gymnastics; securing her 24th and 25th medals at the event, surpassing Vitaly Scherbo’s previous record of 23 World medals. Her dominance in national competitions was evident until 2013, when she made history as the first Black woman to clinch the all-around gold at the World Championships.

Earnings avenue

During her debut in Rio, Biles earned considerably less compared to today’s Olympians. Each of her four gold medals brought her $25,000, and she received $10,000 for the bronze, summing up to $110,000. By 2021, her earnings increased to $37,500, with $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze. Altogether, she has amassed $147,500 for her seven Olympic medals.

Brand partnerships and endorsements

Like many Olympic athletes, Biles doesn’t receive a conventional salary. Biles primarily earns her income through endorsement deals. Her fortune, totaling around $16 million, has been predominantly built through these partnerships. As per a 2021 estimate by Forbes, she garners a minimum of $5 million annually through endorsements.

Among the companies she’s collaborated with are Athleta, Visa, United Airlines, MasterClass, and UberEats. At the age of 18, Biles sealed a deal with Nike, the specifics undisclosed, and their partnership spanned six years until Biles opted to switch to the inclusive brand Athleta just before the Tokyo Games.

She aligned herself with the Octagon sports agency, which also represents notable figures like Aly Raisman and Michael Phelps. Nike announced their sponsorship of Biles via Twitter in November 2015. Shortly thereafter, she struck a deal with GK Elite Sportswear to launch her own line of leotards. Biles also served as a spokesperson for Core Power’s Everyday Awesome team of athletes.

Kellogg’s featured the “Final Five” on the Gold Medal Edition of Special K cereals, with Biles prominently featured on the back of the box with one of her Rio gold medals. Following the Rio Games, Biles secured endorsement deals with Procter & Gamble, The Hershey Company, and United Airlines. She further engaged in philanthropic endeavors, becoming a spokesperson for Mattress Firm’s initiative supporting foster homes and collaborating with Spieth America to develop gymnastics equipment. Additionally, Biles endorsed Beats By Dr. Dre.

In April 2021, Biles announced her transition from Nike to Athleta, a brand under Gap, for apparel sponsorship.

In 2022, Biles ranked No. 10 on Forbes’ list of highest-paid female athletes. With ventures like a Super Bowl commercial, new campaigns for Subway and Powerade, and an activewear collection with Athleta, among others, Biles amassed an estimated $10 million.

Conquering health hurdles

At the Tokyo Olympics, she encountered the challenge known as “the twisties,” prompting her withdrawal from the event. “Twisties” refer to a condition where a gymnast loses control of their body during aerial twists. Overcoming this setback represented a significant milestone on her path to the upcoming Olympic Games. Now fully prepared, Biles is poised to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Outside sporting arena

Following the 2016 Rio Games, Biles collaborated with journalist Michelle Burford to co-author an autobiography titled “Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance.” In the book, she expressed her desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams, acknowledging the support she received from countless individuals along her journey. The autobiography soared to the top of The New York Times best sellers Young Adult list and was later adapted into a biopic by Lifetime.

The gymnastic world sang praises of “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” when Simone Biles, Rebecca Andrade, and Shilese Jones shared the podium at the 2023 World Championships. Biles earned her sixth World all-around title, while Andrade secured silver and Jones stood with bronze. At Stars Gymnastics recently, on a regular Monday, kids stood wearing brightly colored leotards while the pro gymnasts of different skin colors flipped through the air at the back.

This scene was enough proof that years of torment were finally coming to a halt. But today, Biles surfaced with another passion of hers, but there’s a twist that hints at a black podium again.

Simone Biles lauds a young cowgirl for making waves in the equestrian way

She resorted to her X handle and posted a photo of Kortnee Solomon, who made history by being the first rider of color to enter a national telecasted competition. Her caption says, “YES MA’AM. go girl go girl!!!! when I was younger I used to want to be a cowgirl so bad & someone told me there was no black cowgirls, so I hung my cowgirl hat up! LOOK NOW WAHOO! GO KORTNEE. BLACK GIRL MAGIC!!!!”. She repeated her celebrated statement “Black girl magic” again, and we could feel every bit of it. Coming back to Solomon, she came out as the sole fourth-generation cowgirl from Texas who took her skin color to great heights, defying standards, at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles, the gymnastic stalwart, always had a penchant for equestrian. On one Valentine’s Day, which she celebrated with her husband in person, the couple sported rodeo-wears. Oftentimes, the 26-year-old makes headlines donning cowboy hats or Roper boots. However, this is not the first time that the Olympian stood as the strongest fort.

Biles backs athletes of color in utmost solidarity

In a Dublin events ceremony, a young black girl was denied a medal, when all of her fair-skinned teammates received one each. A video from 2022 that resurfaced in the latter half of 2023 caught the attention of several kind hearts, especially mental health advocate Simone Biles. She took to her social media handle to write, “When this video was circulating, her parents reached out. It broke my heart to see, so I sent her a little video. There is no room for racism in any sport or at all !!!!”

The young girl from Ireland may have seen a ray of hope when Biles’ video to her said, “I wanted to say I am rooting for you from here.” As the 7x Olympic medalist continues to cement her status as a benign athlete, she’s also eyeing the Paris Olympic Games. Just a matter of 4 months to catch sight of a spectacle.

 

Around the globe, anticipation is mounting, with less than five months remaining until the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the gymnastics world, fans are eagerly awaiting the spectacular showdowns from the world’s finest gymnasts on the pinnacle stage. Big names are set to dominate the floor, but the biggest among them is Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history.

Her return to the Olympic stage, following the tumultuous Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has fans ecstatic to see her proudly waving the American flag once again. And amidst the throngs of admirers stands the “Unofficial Den Mother of USA Gymnastics.”

Simone Biles’ dominance at the 2024 Paris Olympics predicted months in advance

In an Instagram post by The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie from the Today Show made a guest appearance. Renowned for their camaraderie and iconic showbiz entertainment perspectives, the hosts were captivated as Jimmy Fallon queried them about their plans for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Overflowing with excitement, Hoda Kotb exclaimed, “Ya’ll, we are going to dominate gymnastics,” getting wild cheers from the crowd. Jimmy Fallon chimed in, highlighting Simone Biles’ return, further igniting the excitement of both the ladies and the audience. Amidst the thrilled atmosphere, Hoda Kotb shared, “This is going to be Simone’s chapter. Like, I feel like she’s going to be incredible.”

Simone Biles

Notably, in the past, Simone Biles had hinted at her Olympic aspirations in a 2023 conversation with Hoda, sharing, “That’s the path I would love to go,” making Hoda’s presence as their biggest cheerleader all the more heartwarming. As we reflect on this moment, let us find out why Hoda was affectionately dubbed the “unofficial den mother of USA Gymnastics.”

Why is Hoda Kotb called the “den mother of USA Gymnastics”?

Savannah Guthrie narrated on the Tonight Show how Hoda Kotb and she both went to Tokyo and Beijing to report on the Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoda loves the USA gymnastics team, and Savannah Guthrie shared, “Hoda is like the unofficial den mother of USA Gymnastics.” This even got the endearing host in trouble as the events were held amidst the pandemic, preventing athletes’ parents and family members from attending.

Despite the challenges, Hoda was moved to offer hugs to the gymnasts who couldn’t be with their families. However, the Japanese organizers, who were hosting the Olympics, didn’t like that idea. Savannah Guthrie laughingly imitated them, saying, “Tell that woman to stop hugging the athletes.”

With the Paris Olympics scheduled from July 27 to August 5, 2024, excitement grows to see Simone Biles grace the pinnacle stage once more. And as fans await her return, they also hope to see the spirited two hosts, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, cheering on the athletes with enthusiasm.

The world’s most decorated gymnast, Simone Biles, made her dream of having her own national tour a reality in 2021 after announcing it in 2019. Biles is confirmed to visit Brew City Milwaukee on September 28, when she embarks on the second Gold Over America gymnastics tour, similar to the last Olympics schedule. The single show brings gymnasts together like a phantasmagoria of talents, featuring Biles alongside other national champions Shilese Jones, Melanie de Jesus dos Santos, and Fred Richard.

Officially, the Gold Over America Tour, or “GOAT,” boasts “a high-octane, action-packed experience.” Whether you’re returning after the 2021 display or awaiting to experience the unknown thrill, here’s how much you need to pay for it to view it in all its glory!

Simone Biles hosted Gold Over America Tour returns this September

Embarking on a recreational jaunt with her husband, Biles was unable to participate in the Winter Cup 2024, the season’s first qualification event for the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships. However, she will be competing in the US Team Olympic gymnastics trial in June. Her next definite participation, however, is for September’s Gold Over America Tour. The ticket price starts from as low as $20, further increasing depending on the gymnasts competing, the venue, and the seat preference.

The “GOAT” tours 30 arenas across the country after the 2021 tour was a huge success, providing an intense, action-packed show. A pop concert-style event including championship adventures, physical prowess, and of course, the Gold Squad dancers, will be presented to fans. The seating nearer the floor will cost more for fans than seats toward the back of the auditorium reported ticketsmarter.com.

In addition, the championship rounds will be more expensive than the preliminary ones. Packages including all sessions range in price from $185 to $725, but do buy yours after comparing costs. Since the GOAT is farther ahead, some highlights of the last show will serve as a great appetizer.

Debut Gold Over America gymnastics tour highlight

The Gold Over America tour last visited Fiserv Forum three years back, which was seven weeks following the Summer Olympics. Olympic medallists Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, and MyKayla Skinner from Tokyo 2020 accompanied Biles. America’s favorites at the time: Laurie Hernandez, the two-time 2016 Olympic medalist, was joined by 2008 Olympic silver medalist Chellsie Memmel accompanied her too in mirth and gaiety. Another big name was French Olympian Melanie de Jesus dos Santos.

Simone, who was 24 at the time, was evidently excited before the launch. She told Olympics.com, “I can’t believe I get to have my own tour. Seriously, a dream come true. Can’t wait to see all of the girls, meet all the fans and explore all of the cities!” Nearing her third Olympic appearance this year, Biles continues to leave her mark on the mat after winning seven Olympic medals and twenty-five World titles.