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Simone Biles delivered an inspirational speech at the Washington University commencement ceremony, where she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree.

Delivering the speech nearly two hours into the ceremony, the gold medalist spoke for a little over ten minutes, telling the audience, “You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage or do a little floor routine. But really, today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you are elite students.” Biles remarks drew an applause from the crowd.

“The world doesn’t need you to be perfect,” she continued. “It needs you to be bold, it needs you to care, and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. So go out there and write your own story — one that only you can tell.” After her inspiring speech, Washington University took to Instagram to pay their respects to the legendary athlete.

“@simonebiles is no stranger to the podium — or to greatness. As the most decorated gymnast of all time, her athletic achievements speak for themselves,” they wrote in their caption. “But what’s just as remarkable is her advocacy beyond the mat: championing mental health, supporting foster care youth, and amplifying the voices of sexual assault survivors.”

The University continued: “At WashU’s 164th Commencement, she delivered a golden message and a powerful reminder that perfection isn’t the goal — courage is. It was a great honor to present her with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters as she inspired the #WashU25 class to rise, lead, and leap boldly into their next chapter. Congratulations #WashU25 and congratulations, Dr. Biles! ❤️🎉💚.”

Indeed. Huge congrats Dr. Biles.

Simone Biles’ NFL Husband Drops 4-Word Message While Gymnastics Star Faces Unnecessary Hate After Massive Career Update

On a bright Monday morning, May 12, the graduating class of Washington University in St. Louis filed into their seats with tassels swaying and hearts brimming with excitement. Among the sea of green robes stood a woman who had defied gravity, expectations, and limits her entire life. That woman was Simone Biles, Olympic icon, gymnastics legend — and now, honorary doctor.

As the applause echoed through the auditorium, Simone stepped up to the podium to deliver the commencement address. Her speech, just over 12 minutes, was as moving as it was motivational. She spoke candidly about her journey — from a young girl with a dream of becoming a pediatrician to a world-renowned athlete who’d flipped her way into history books. It was a proud, powerful moment. And later that day, Simone did what any 21st-century legend would do: she shared it online. Taking to Threads, she posted a celebratory message with a wink of humor:  “it’s Dr. Biles to you 🫶🏾.” The internet, as always, responded. Fans flooded the comments with love, applause, and admiration. But not everyone was in the mood to celebrate.

Buried between congratulations was a blunt and jarring reply: “Nope I don’t respect you so I won’t be calling you that.” And it didn’t stop there. Another user chimed in: “Miss Biles… we don’t utilize the doctor term on honorary degrees… You’re a lot of genuinely great things, but this one is a blunder.” Simone, never one to shrink from a challenge — be it on the beam or in the comments — fired back with grace and edge: “google is free & it’s Mrs. Biles.” That reply, sharp and factual, sparked an even greater stir. Soon, the comment section was ablaze with debates about titles, degrees, and respect. One person scolded,  “The disrespect for those who really went to school for years to earn their doctorate…” In mere hours, what began as a joyful moment had turned into a whirlwind of opinions. But through it all, Simone remained poised, letting the moment speak for itself. And quietly, in her corner of the digital world, her biggest supporter stepped up.

On May 13, Simone Biles’s husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, posted to his Instagram story. With pride practically radiating through the screen, he reshared the university’s tribute and wrote: “Best commencement speaker EVER.” No hashtags. No clapping back. Just love. So, whether the world chooses to call her Miss, Mrs., or Dr. Biles, one thing is clear: Simone Biles earned her moment. But you may ask how.

Well, we’d say, by continuing to be Simone Biles. In her commencement speech, the 28-year-old gymnast said, “I have to admit, I am a little nervous!” But why? “You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage and do a little floor routine,” the 11-time Olympic medalist added. Meanwhile, instead of highlighting her own laurels, she preferred to hype the achievements of the students from the stage.

In her commencement speech, Simone subsequently added, “Today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you, you are elite students. While I can claim a few ‘firsts’ in my sport, I know some of you are the first in your families to earn your degree…And for some others, maybe you showed early promise and met every challenge in elementary, middle and high school head on, blazing new trails along the way. Going to college and graduating might have felt like a given.” Those words may prove that it wasn’t about Simone, the most decorated gymnast’s day. Rather, it was about someone who was there on the stage to motivate the students. However, apart from that, it wasn’t the first time Jonathan came forward to save Simone from online hate.

Jonathan Owens appears in the scene to support Simone Biles 

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens

While the world watched Simone Biles soar, twist, and stick her way back to glory, Jonathan Owens was never far behind — in the stands, online, or in spirit. At the Games, as Simone silenced critics and proved — yet again — that greatness doesn’t quit, Jonathan was one of her loudest, proudest cheerleaders. Whether sitting beside her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, shouting encouragement from the stands, or glued to the screen mid-flight, his love and support echoed louder than the skeptics ever could.

After Simone clinched her second individual all-around gold, Jonathan rushed to Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute that lit up timelines: “Greatness! I love you so much baby. You accomplish whatever you set your mind to, and do it with so much grace. 9 time Olympic medalist and counting!!!! So proud to be your husband.” But he wasn’t done.

Even while flying back from the competition, Jonathan couldn’t peel his eyes away from the action. In an Instagram Story, he proudly shared Simone’s vault scores with the caption: “Even on the flight back!!!! Can’t miss it!!! Another gold on the way!!!!” And JO cheered for Simone’s success during a phase when her haters doubted her gymnastics return, calling her out as “quitter.” His unwavering faith in her wasn’t just romantic — it was a bold stand against the noise. During a time when critics labeled Simone a “quitter” for stepping away to protect her mental health, Jonathan stood firm, never doubting her return. And when she came back stronger than ever, claiming gold with the same grit that made her a global icon, his cheers carried a deeper meaning. So, through turbulence and triumph, Jonathan Owens never missed a beat. And when Simone flew, he soared right alongside her.

Simone Biles has been at the center of media attention for much of the past year, beginning with her reign in the Olympics.

Biles led the Team USA women’s gymnastics group in the Paris Olympics, adding to her prestigious accolades. During her time in Paris, Biles won three gold medals and a silver medal.

She was awarded the gold medal for the all-round, vault and team exercise. Biles’ silver medal came from the floor exercise.

After her reign in the Olympics, Biles was back under the spotlight in two major events recently: the Kentucky Derby and the Met Gala.

Amid all of the commotion, she also served as the commencement speaker at Washington University. Biles also earned a diploma from Washington University, announced by the official social media account of the school.

Upon the release of the news, Biles’ husband Jonathan Owens sent a message on the major accomplishment by the United States gymnast.

“Best commencement speaker EVER,” Owens said.

The Team USA Olympics site provided a recap of Biles’ commencement speech she delivered to the graduating class at Washington University.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens

“I have to admit, I am a little nervous!” Biles said. “You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage and do a little floor routine… “People often refer to me as the GOAT. Not the animal, but the greatest of all time. I’m not going to lie, every once in a while, it does give me chills thinking about what I have accomplished in gymnastics. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret — being the GOAT was never the goal. All I ever wanted to be was the greatest Simone that I could be. You don’t have to be the greatest engineer, the greatest lawyer, the greatest entrepreneur, or the greatest social worker. You just need to be the greatest you that you can be, the greatest you of all time.”

Jonathan Owens has also been successful in his respective craft.

The NFL safety is preparing for his fifth season in the league. Last season with the Chicago Bears, Owens posted one forced fumble, one interception, two pass deflections and 49 tackles.

Simone Biles is no stranger to podiums. We’ve seen her soar, twist, and land with the kind of precision that makes history books rewrite themselves. Gold medals? She’s got them. World titles? Plenty. GOAT status? Undeniably. But recently, Simone stood tall in a very different kind of uniform. No leotards. No chalked-up hands. This time, it was a cap and gown. What? Yes! You read it right.

The most decorated gymnast of all time wasn’t celebrating another athletic win — she was marking an academic milestone that surprised and delighted her fans. For years, fans wondered what could’ve been if Biles had taken the NCAA stage. After all, she had committed to UCLA once upon a time. Can you imagine the electric buzz of a college meet with Biles flipping through the air? But life had other plans. Choices had to be made. But turning professional in 2015 meant giving up that dream. Still, Simone Biles’ relationship with education? Far from over.

So, Simone Biles just casually dropped a TikTok that had fans doing a double-take. This time, she wasn’t flipping through the air or showing off medals. Nope — she was in full graduation regalia, rocking a green gown with red and black trim, a classic black cap with a gold tassel, and holding up a shiny new diploma. The document, from what you could make out, looked official and was styled like one from Washington University in St. Louis. But the real eye-catcher? The title on it: Honorary Doctorate.” That’s a pretty big deal — it’s an honorary doctorate, usually given to people who’ve made a huge impact on society.

And in true Simone Biles fashion, she kept the caption short and sweet: “call me Dr. Biles.” Posting a photo from her big day also on Instagram, she cheekily wrote, “It’s Dr. Biles to you 🫶🏾.”Of course, she followed it up with a heartfelt message: “But in all seriousness, thank you @washu for allowing me to do the commencement speech! Congrats to all the graduates 🎓 Truly inspiring! Good luck with all your future endeavors!!” Classic Biles — a little flex, a lot of gratitude, and always inspiring.

Just like that, she let the world know she’s now got a new title — not from winning medals, but for her work as an advocate, role model, and changemaker. From pushing mental health conversations into the spotlight to inspiring athletes everywhere, this honorary doctorate is another well-deserved recognition. Simone might have missed the NCAA stage, but she keeps proving that her legacy goes way beyond gymnastics. But the question now comes, why did she choose to turn professional instead of NCAA?

Why Simone Biles opted out of the NCAA

Simone Biles 

Simone Biles’ gymnastics journey began at the age of six during a daycare field trip to a gym. Her natural athleticism quickly became apparent, and by the age of 14, she was competing at the elite level. In 2014, she verbally committed to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), planning to join their gymnastics team after the 2016 Summer Olympics. However, in July 2015, Biles made the decision to turn professional, forfeiting her NCAA eligibility to pursue a career in elite gymnastics. She chose this path because she was doing so well internationally and becoming a multiple World Champion, and she knew she wouldn’t have many more chances to compete in the Olympics.

Reflecting on her decision, Biles shared, “It was a very long and hard decision. My dad kept telling me, ‘You can always go to college, but you can’t always go pro.” That made sense to me.“ Additionally, she noted, ” if you have an opportunity to set yourself up [financially] in life, why not take it? So I was like, ‘Let’s get this going.

We all know that at that time, college athletes weren’t permitted to make money from their athletic success or sponsorship. So,  Simone Biles skipped college to compete at the world stage and win Olympic medals. Now, it’s clear that choosing the Olympic path also came from her need for freedom and a dependable future financially.
Leaping to go pro let Simone concentrate entirely on Olympic training. She teamed up with Octagon Sports Agency and began partnerships with famous brands, including Nike and GK Elite Sportswear. Being financially supported meant she could train daily and attend international meets, making her stand out in the 2016 Rio Olympics with four gold and one bronze medal. Going professional helped her rise faster in gymnastics and made her someone who inspires athletes everywhere.

Simone Biles stood on a gold podium, addressed a crowd of thousands and admitted she was a little nervous.

Biles then gave a performance several minutes longer than any of her gymnastics routines.

She spoke for 12 minutes at Washington University in St. Louis, giving the commencement address on a rainy Monday. She did so at Francis Olympic Field, which held competition in several sports during the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.

The whole speech is here, about one hour and 45 minutes into the ceremony.

“You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if

they had allowed me to vault onto the stage or do a little floor routine,” she said with chuckles, drawing applause. “But really, today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you are elite students.”

Biles was also bestowed an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

“I always dreamed of going to college, not just to be part of a collegiate gymnastics team, but to study medicine, to become a children’s nurse or a pediatrician, and to enjoy all the fun of a college campus,” said Biles, who committed to UCLA before turning professional at age 18 and forgoing college gymnastics. “But for me, that dream bumped up against others, and ultimately I chose a different path. But I do think my path and yours have a lot in common, although mine probably included a few more sequins and leotards.”

Biles last competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals and one silver medal. She has repeated this spring that she doesn’t know if she will return to competition to bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

To close her address Monday, she said, “The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold. It needs you to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.”

It’s been a busy past week for United States Olympic star gymnast Simone Biles who gave the “Riders Up” call at the Kentucky Derby on May 3 before attending the Met Gala just a few days later.

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist delivered a flawless performance, but it’s what she said about her future with husband Jonathan Owens, a defensive back for the Chicago Bears, that caught everyone’s attention at the time.

“We are obviously gonna put them in sports in the beginning so they get their bearings and learn,” Simone told E! News. “But other than that, we don’t really care what they do as long as they find their passion…I’ve always wanted to be a mother, have kids and just like [Jonathan], he’s always wanted to be a dad, so it’s just really exciting.”

Fans got a bit overzealous, suggesting she was pregnant, which Biles shut down immediately. “I am not pregnant, I never was pregnant therefore I never had a baby. Please stop asking me and falling for AI,” she said plainly.

Fast forward just a few days and Biles is back in the headlines thanks to a recent change to her physical appearance. She showed off a change to her hair with a shoutout, “slayyyyyy, she did her big one mhmmmkayyy,” she said in the caption of her post on her Instagram story.

During an interview in August 2024, Biles admitted she wants to have kids with her husband, but their professional lives won’t be taking a back seat.

“Me and Jonathan always talk about kids,” she said during an appearance on Today. “He would have had them yesterday if he could have. Obviously, we both have goals that we want to achieve before we start a family, but yes, that’s definitely in our future.”

‘I’m So Sorry’: Simone Biles’ Ex-Coach Opens Up About Unintentionally Abandoning Her During Parents’ Gym Crisis

She’s like a second mom to me—I’ve been with her since I was seven, and we’ve shared this entire journeySo it’s very cool we could start and end the same way.” Together, Simone Biles and her second mom soared to three straight world all-around titles from 2013 to 2015, a feat no woman had ever achieved before. Under her guidance, the gymnast claimed four gold medals—in team, all-around, vault, and floor—and even battled through a bronze on beam.

This mother was none other than her former coach, who trained her in her early years, the coach who had one philosophy – prioritizing Biles’ well-being over mere medals. A philosophy that was challenged once. When and why?

I didn’t realize how much my added responsibilities were affecting Simone until one day I stepped onto the floor and approached Simone, whom I noticed was in a somber mood,” recalled Aimee Boorman in her book, The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles. She remembers asking her about what happened, and she broke down, and said, “You never coach me anymore! You’re just always in the office! You don’t even care!” The coach was shocked.

Embracing the gymnast in a big warm hug, she told her, “Oh, Simone, I’m so sorry. I’m right here. I haven’t gone anywhere. I’m always right here.” This was the time when Aimee and Simone’s parents were establishing the WCC, and as the coach recalls in her book, “I had been in the office more.” But in her defense, she felt that now that Simone is a world champion, she didn’t need her to look over her shoulder now and then.

But then it hit her, “While that was true, I also realized that after we had left Bannon’s and separated. Simone from all her friends and teammates, I was the one stable thing she still had in the gym.”

The 2013 World Championships were when Biles got her first world championship gold, but in 2014, things turned around when she and Aimee departed from Bannon’s Gymnastix, where Biles had trained since age six. The exit marked a pivotal stone in gymnastics history. In her book, the coach also claimed, “We had chemistry, and-knowing her so well and watching her grow up-I could tell just how much or how little she required each day. That was part of our magic together.

Aimee Boorman began coaching Simone Biles in 2005, when Biles was eight years old. By this time, they had both known each other for 8 years or more, and the magic was bound to happen. Knowing what Simone was going through, Aimee had one thing to do: she said, “I needed to make sure Simone knew she was my priority.” Why? There was no point in working on WCC if Simone wasn’t taken care of. She handed off what she could of the administrative tasks she was attending to and made sure she was out on the floor next to Simone from that point forward.

One thing is clear in the mind of the coach of the goat, and she even jotted it down in her book. She wrote, “Success doesn’t breed comfort; it amplifies everything around you the good and the bad. The praise can be deafening and the ridicule can be crushing. Self-doubt, apathy, and insecurity will grab your ear to fill the void of a coach who’s not there to bat it away. “All of this happened just because Aimee was too busy with working on the WCC gym crisis.

The WCC gym crisis

Simone Biles

In 2013, after Simone clinched her first world all-around title, her longtime coach, Aimee Boorman, expressed a desire to leave Bannon’s Gymnastix, the facility where Simone had trained since childhood. This development posed a significant challenge: finding a new training environment that would provide stability and continuity during Simone’s prime competitive years. Why find one when you can create one? Biles’ dad, Nellie, purchased a four-acre plot in Spring, Texas, and initiated the development of what would become the World Champions Centre. Initially, the gym operated out of a temporary warehouse, affectionately dubbed “The Shed“.

One of the early challenged that was faced by them was that there was no heat in the gym, Boorman recalls in her book, “On really cold mornings, we would bring small space heaters into the gym for the girls to sit in front of before stretching, and they would regularly come into the office to get warm.” Getting the tin can to convert into a functional gym was quite the work, and on top of that, it wasn’t the only responsibility on her head. The idea was, as later described, “writing a plan and organizing the details of the permanent World Champions Centre. This meant I wasn’t coaching as much while I focused on operations.”

The work didn’t end there. The inside of the gym still needed its final layout, more equipment had to be brought in, programs had to be planned out, and systems for sign-ups and staff pay had to be put in place—among many other things. Her book read, “Ron and Nellie had never run a gym before, so they relied heavily on my and Selinda’s experience. Additionally, I had to consider how I was going to staff a potentially large program.” This is where Jason Collins stepped up.

While the WCC focused on the women’s program, Collins was hired to develop the men’s one. He had been coaching since fifteen, but is also an accomplished opera singer. He attended the Juilliard School in New York and then traveled the world, singing in front of massive crowds in amphitheaters and concert halls. He stuck around for two months before finally moving out to take care of his ill father. After operating in a temporary warehouse, the Biles family invested in a state-of-the-art, 52,000-square-foot facility in Spring, Texas, which opened in 2016. Today, it has produced the likes of Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and many others.

Simone Biles’ Former Coach’s Possible Permanent Role 5 Months After Parting Ways With Gymnastics Star’s Family Gym

In the final weeks of December 2024, the buzz of chalk dust still lingered in the air at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas. Athletes were wrapping up the year, routines were refined, and dreams of Paris had either come true or been tucked away for another time. But amidst the usual energy, one goodbye went almost unnoticed by the wider public—Laurent Landi, the French-born coaching force behind Olympic glory, quietly stepped away from his role at Simone Biles’s family-owned gym.

It was a departure that came without fanfare or press releases. No dramatic headlines. Just a respectful and private farewell to the place where he had spent years sculpting greatness alongside his wife, Cecile. The pair had been the cornerstones of WCC, helping guide Simone Biles through her legendary return to the Olympics and mentoring a new generation of U.S. gymnasts. But now, Laurent was ready for something else, though what, no one quite knew.

In February 2025, the world got its first hint. Laurent reappeared at Legacy Gymnastics in Alabama, not as a resident coach, but leading a short training camp. There, he worked with young gymnasts, igniting their passion with the same precision and warmth that had earned him the title of “gym god” from Biles herself—words she dropped with a flurry of clap emojis while resharing Laurent’s post on Instagram. But Laurent wasn’t settling yet. He was moving with purpose—but quietly, carefully. His next stop: Mexico.

That same month, he joined a camp hosted by the Mexican Gymnastics Federation, bringing together a vibrant crop of aspiring gymnasts under one roof. Laurent expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, and the seeds of something more permanent seemed to be sown. Fast forward to May 10, and another sign arrived—Fedmex Gymnasia, a leading gymnastics facility in Mexico, posted a heartfelt thank-you to Laurent, celebrating his contributions to their latest camp. He stood in the photos, smiling among coaches and wide-eyed young gymnasts.

Was this Laurent’s next home? Nothing was confirmed. But the frequency of his presence in Mexico raised eyebrows—and hopes. Meanwhile, Laurent wasn’t limiting his influence to Latin America alone. Earlier in May, he had been spotted in WIMGYM Canada, mentoring athletes and coaches alike. Simone Biles, still his biggest cheerleader, reacted with another flurry of claps on Instagram. And in April, he and Cecile were seen in a new kind of collaboration—posing with ski racers Jillian Vogtil and Anouk Patty, hinting at a fresh blend of disciplines and ideas.

However, it’s been over 150 days since Laurent’s quiet departure from WCC. While the gymnastics world still speculates on his next permanent chapter, one thing is certain: he isn’t done building champions. Remember what Simone’s family gym wrote about his departure?

Simone Biles had to say goodbye to her coach 

Just months after his wife, Cecile Landi, had taken her own bow, Laurent followed, bringing a heartfelt close to the Landis’ remarkable tenure at WCC. The moment was captured in an Instagram story that carried more emotion than words could contain. A photo of Laurent, surrounded by tearful gymnasts and staff, was captioned simply yet powerfully: “Farewell to Coach Laurent! You will be greatly missed at WCC.” The gym’s full message told a story of deep gratitude and respect: “Lots of laughs and tears were shed as WCC is so grateful for the dedication the Landi’s have bestowed upon generations of WCC gymnasts, coaches, and colleagues. We wish the Landi’s the very best! WCC is excited on what’s to come!!! 😉 Stay tuned!” It was the kind of goodbye that doesn’t feel final—more like the last page of one epic chapter before a thrilling sequel begins. For Laurent, the decision marked the end of a transformative era. He wasn’t just leaving a gym. He was leaving behind a legacy.

And as for WCC? The torch was soon passed into capable hands. In a bold and international twist, the center welcomed Patrick Kiens and Daymon Jones, esteemed coaches from the Romanian national team, to guide its next generation of stars.

For most people, two weeks of red carpets, galas, and the national spotlight would require months of recovery. But Simone Biles? She handled it all like the powerhouse she is—gracefully, joyfully, and with just enough sparkle to remind the world why she’s not only the GOAT in gymnastics but also in owning life’s biggest moments. It all started in Madrid, where the 28-year-old touched down to accept a prestigious honor at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Dressed in elegance and pride, she stepped onto the stage to receive her laurel—another feather in a crown that’s been steadily growing with every twist and turn of her career.

From the TIME 100 Gala, where she celebrated yet another spot on the influential list, to the Kentucky Derby, where she gave the iconic “Riders Up!” call, Simone Biles made every stop count. She capped it all with a dazzling appearance at the MET Gala, arriving hand-in-hand with husband Jonathan Owens—just in time to mark their second anniversary in true star fashion. Because, yes—May 6 marked their second wedding anniversary. Amid everything, Simone paused just long enough to post: “2 year anniversary [emoji] ilysfm.” Simple, heartfelt, and deeply her. So what comes after the lights, the gowns, the applause? Reality—and rest.

On May 8, Simone Biles gave her followers a candid glimpse behind the glamour. In an Instagram Story, she shared a cozy, no-makeup moment of herself tucked into bed back home in Texas, with a caption that read: “me before I passed out last night… so happy to be home and decompress.” But rest doesn’t last long when you’re Simone Biles.

In the very next story, she was already on the move again, snapping a pic from the passenger seat of a car, bathed in Texas sunshine. The update? “Will be catching y’all up on my last few days soon. such a beautiful day today i love you houston.” It was a subtle promise from the gymnastics queen—yes, she’ll fill us in. But for now, she’s just soaking it all in. The awards, the love, the whirlwind, and the quiet drive through her hometown. However, there were a few more uploads on her Instagram stories.

The first one was the Olympian’s appearance at the MET Gala. For her MET Gala 2025 appearance, Simone turned heads in a custom Harbison Studio minidress dubbed the Seraphim. It was a radiant burst of bright blue, with glittering black embellishments and a satin finish. She topped it off with towering heels and a dramatic Galaxy Cathedral Train, making sure her return to the MET since her 2021 debut was nothing short of celestial.

Right beside her, husband Jonathan Owens matched the vibe in an all-white Deji & Kola suit with blue accents—and stole a bit of the spotlight himself, accessorizing with a fur cape, black cane, and a jaw-dropping 119.44-carat aquamarine Margot McKinney pendant. But even the dazzle of couture couldn’t outshine what Simone was really excited about—her nails. She posted close-ups of her sunshine-yellow set, encrusted with shiny stones, calling it “probably my fav nail set so far… my dawg Lucky!!”

That love continued in a follow-up photo with a full glam close-up and a caption of emojis with heart eyes. Nail art? It’s her soft spot. Of course, with a schedule like hers, staying on the move is a full-time job. Luckily, Simone had the right ride. In another Instagram story, she posed in front of the sleek new 2025 Genesis GV80 2.5 Advanced AWD, thanking @genesis_usa for getting her to all her events: “Thank you @genesis_usa for getting me everywhere I needed to be this week. Loved visiting @genesishousenyc and I’ll be back soon.” And another adventure is already loading.

Simone Biles and her husband

Believe us, that’s just the past few days. And well, in the last six months, Simone has been everywhere through her trips. Do you remember those outings?

Simone Biles has been on memorable trips 

It all kicked off in January, when Simone and her husband, Jonathan Owens, jetted off on a dreamy European tour. Fresh off her Gold Over America Tour (G.O.A.T.), the Olympic legend traded leotards for layers as they explored wintery cities hand-in-hand. But this wasn’t just a vacation—it came with a surprise twist.

In Switzerland, Simone sat down for a rare, high-profile conversation with CNBC anchor Sara Eisen. The setting? The Winning Mindset, presented by Nasdaq, is likely tied to the World Economic Forum. A gymnast on the global economic stage? It was unexpected—and unforgettable. Few athletes ever get that kind of platform, but Simone, with her blend of discipline, influence, and vision, fits right in. Then came a completely different kind of adventure: a South African safari. Swapping boardrooms for the bush, Simone and JO immersed themselves in nature, exploring the wild heart of Africa. Elephants, lions, sunsets—each moment was raw, real, and restorative.

However, not long after, the couple touched down in Austin, Texas, this time to celebrate something much closer to home: the baby shower of Simone’s close friend Kayla Simon. From global summits to heartfelt gatherings, Simone shows that she can move seamlessly between power meetings and personal moments, always fully present. So, from Switzerland to South Africa to Austin, Simone’s journey continues to unfold across continents and causes, proving again and again that she’s not just flipping through life—she’s soaring.

Although the Met Gala took place Monday evening, celebrities and athletes are still reliving the unforgettable night.

On Thursday night, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens shared an Instagram reel featuring behind-the-scenes moments of him and his wife, Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles, preparing for fashion’s biggest event. The reel was filmed by Houston-based content creator Michael D. Bishop.

“Dreams to reality 🎥💫,” he captioned the post.

This year marked Owens’ Met Gala debut and Biles’ second appearance. It was also the first time the couple attended the gala together, making the night for them even more special.

Despite the reel showing off how easy and smooth the getting-ready process looked, the couple admitted in an interview with Vogue that it was actually pretty stressful.

In the video, “Saturday Night Live” cast member Ego Nwodim asked the gymnast whether it was harder to get ready for an Olympic event or for the Met Gala. Immediately, Biles responds with the Met Gala.

“Because I trained for the Olympics my whole entire life and this is just a one-day event,” explained Biles. “I got in yesterday, and we did all my fittings. It’s just a lot. It’s stressful.

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens

 

Owens also answered Nwodim’s question and agreed that prepping for the Met was more stressful, and joked that he “can feel her energy.”

The 28-year-old gymnast stunned the carpet with a bright blue poofy gown from Harbison Studio with a long train attached to the skirt. The top of the dress was decked out in diamond pins, blue flowers and a white collar with a silver bow tie. She paired the outfit with a matching pair of blue high heels and simple diamond jewelry.

Meanwhile, the NFL player wore an all-white suit with a matching fur coat. He was styled by Haitian-American fashion stylist Marc Desir.

The Met Gala 2025 theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The theme was also the name of the Costume Institute’s upcoming exhibition, which explores the importance of style in the formation of Black identities, particularly in the Atlantic diaspora.