Since her dazzling performance at the Paris Olympics last year, fans have eagerly speculated about Simone Biles’ return to gymnastics. With four more medals added to her legendary collection, Biles decided to step away from competition for a while. She has embraced adventure, traveling the globe and cheering on her husband, Jonathan Owens, at NFL games, finding new ways to shine beyond the gymnastics floor.
Simone Biles on Retirement
Biles and Owens recently announced that they have moved into a new custom-built mansion in Texas, signaling a new chapter in their lives together. After doing so, Biles has kept herself busy by taking up various hobbies, including ice skating, Pilates, and horseback riding lessons.
In an interview with People Magazine, she relished the opportunity to be able to do these activities, saying: “I’ve never had the opportunity to do these because I was always in the gym 24/7 training, so it does give me a little bit of freedom. But I still absolutely love the sport of gymnastics.”
The 7-time Olympic champion also cleared up any rumors that she might have ended her career, adding, “I still found myself turning on and watching the girls and the guys and being so excited for Team USA. So I have a great relationship with gymnastics. I’ve always loved it… But obviously life just looks a little bit different right now as I’m currently taking a break.”
With Biles’ absence at many major tournaments this year, including the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Indonesia, many others, such as Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson, stepped up and recorded impressive performances. However, with the LA Olympics in 2028 edging closer, the United States will be hoping that Biles makes her return as soon as possible.
Biles Discusses Her Sporting Idols
Earlier this year, Biles inspired the Class of 2025 at Washington University in St. Louis with a commencement address on leadership, pressure, and resilience, urging graduates to strive for their best selves. After her speech, she sat down with Student Life, the university’s independent newspaper, to share the athletes who have inspired her own journey.
“I would say in sports, definitely Serena Williams, Lebron James, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant – just some of the greats that also looked like me and I could relate to,” she stated, while also adding that she looked up to her mother and father for inspiration.
Biles enjoys a special bond with one of her idols, Serena Williams, as the two frequently connect on social media. Williams honored Biles in a 2021 TIME Magazine feature, celebrating her as a symbol of the limitless potential of Black women.