Houston isn’t just a place to live—it’s where Simone Biles truly came to life. Despite being born in Columbus, Ohio, Houston is what Biles has called her home for the longest time. But her time in Texas wasn’t a cakewalk. Her mom struggled with addiction, food was scarce (for her—not the cat, though), and foster care became a reality. But then her grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, adopted her and her sister Adria when she was six, and life took a massive turn. That’s where gymnastics entered the picture, and the rest is history. Now?
Biles is worth over $25 million, flipping her way into history, and she and her husband, Jonathan Owens, are building a $3 million lakeside mansion in Texas. Not too shabby for someone who once had to fight for a meal! So even though she wasn’t born in Houston, the city shaped her into the GOAT. And of course, Houston knows it. They just proved it once again by giving her the recognition she deserves!
After all, 2024 was owned by Simone Biles. But while 2024 brought her three gold medals, 2025 seems to be following the same script. The year has barely reached its second month and Biles is already racking up major awards. The latest ones in her collection are the athlete of the year and the moment of the year at the 2025 Houston Sports Awards.
Hosted annually by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, the event honors the best athletes, coaches, and contributors in the Houston area. And let’s be honest—was there ever a doubt Biles would dominate this, too? This is actually her second time winning the award—she first claimed it in 2019. But even this is not surprising, is it? After all, Simone Biles has become synonymous with awards.
Now, with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals to her name, she continues to redefine greatness, both on and off the mat. After years of ups and downs, Biles’ triumphant return to the top was the kind of comeback that had the entire world cheering. Honestly, could any other moment have won this award? Didn’t think so. But this is not the only monumental thing going on in her life.
A honeymoon two years late but totally worth it
This award came at a time when Biles was living her best life with her husband, finally enjoying their long-awaited honeymoon after two years of delays. While the trip was full of joy, it also had a terrifying twist. Nearly two years after saying “I do,” Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens finally got the honeymoon they deserved. And they went big.
The Olympic legend and NFL star traded city life for the wild beauty of South Africa. Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, was living her best life, spotting lions, leopards, and elephants, and sharing every moment with fans. From feeding a massive elephant to snapping photos of rhinos and giraffes, Biles made sure to take it all in.
But she also did it while keeping everyone updated. “Consider this my postcard from South Africa,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside pictures from their trip. When they weren’t out exploring the reserve, the couple took time to relax, even treating themselves to a couples’ massage. “Just a happy camper,” Simone joked, clearly soaking up every second of their long-awaited getaway.
But not every moment was straight out of a romance movie. No, because nothing says thrilling honeymoon like a lion casually strolling past your safari vehicle. Biles didn’t hold back on Instagram, admitting, “Not going to lie, I almost s**t myself.” And honestly, who wouldn’t? The couple also got up close with a leopard resting in a tree, which Simone described as “stunning,” adding, “Miss Girl was tired after her meal.“
But between the breathtaking views, the mind-blowing animal encounters, and a little bit of mild terror, it’s safe to say their honeymoon was one for the books. But this break will only be a brief breather, as knowing the ambitious soul that Biles is, she might already be looking forward to Jakarta. Why, you ask? Well, for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, obviously.
