Simone Biles issues Jonathan Owens message as pair make most of rare chance
Jonathan Owens was sent a sweet message by Simone Biles as they enjoyed a relaxing night in for their wedding anniversary, as their $3 million mansion nears completion
Team USA gymnast Simone Biles and Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary on Wednesday, before preparing for another period of long distance.
It’s been a busy week for Biles and Owens, as they attended the Kentucky Derby together before starring at the 2025 Met Gala in New York City. Both successful athletes have found love together after getting married in 2023, but due to their hectic schedules, the time they do spend together is precious.
Biles posted a black-and-white photo of her and the NFL player embracing on their couch, captioning the Instagram post: “2 year anniversary. I love you so f- much.”
Owens is currently enjoying the NFL offseason before he’s due back at the Bears for training camp, meaning he has the freedom to travel and join Biles at events. Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history and may compete for Team USA at the 2028 Olympic Games, but she’s constantly appearing at high-profile events due to her influence.
Biles and Owens officially met in March 2020 through the dating app Raya, and quickly fell in love. On Feb. 15, 2022, they became engaged and tied the knot a year later, but have still been battling long distance.
This was clear to see on April 19, when Biles posted an emotional story when leaving Owens so she could fly to Spain. “Glad I got to see you for a short bit before jetting off to the airport,” Biles shared with a black heart emoji on her Instagram story.
Despite being apart for long periods, their love has grown stronger. Owens was even excused from training camp last season to watch Biles compete in the Paris Olympics, and she is often seen in the stands supporting him during NFL games.
Speaking at the Met Gala on Monday, Biles said to E!: “I feel like every day we fall more and more in love with each other. Getting to do opportunities like this is so much fun, and we cherish each and every moment that we get together.”
Owens also added: “My thing is just being able to support one another and you just realize how much you are in love with each other. And for me, whenever I know my wife’s in the stands, I just play a little bit better, you know? She’s just the extra motivating factor for me.”
Biles and Owens are set to move in together long-term, with a house currently being constructed in Texas. Owens used to play for the Houston Texans but is currently in Chicago, but will eventually settle back in Texas with Biles.
At the Kentucky Derby, Biles revealed that their house would be ready “very soon” after purchasing the property for $3 million in 2023. It’s been under renovation ever since, and they were meant to move in before the Olympics last summer until construction was delayed.
“I think we’ve done a good collab of what we wanted our house to look like, so hopefully we’ll be able to move in soon,” Biles told People. “We were supposed to be in before the Olympics, and unfortunately that wasn’t the case.
“So we’re just waiting for the weather to die down. We’re just… we’ll see,” she concluded. The entire mansion is a custom-built project, but is almost complete.
Several top Olympic athletes attended the event in New York, whose main theme this year, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ celebrated the art and history of Black dandyism.
Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists Simone Biles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas and Noah Lyles were among elite athletes dazzling at the Met Gala 2025 in New York on Monday night [5 May].
The sports stars lived up to the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and joined some of the world’s biggest celebrities who showed up in style to mark the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new spring Costume Institute exhibition.
Superstar gymnast Biles made her met gala entrance alongside her husband Jonathan Owens, donning an electric-blue mini-dress that had a voluminous bustle and sweeping cape, which she paired with a matching pair of heels. The couple were part of this year’s exclusive host committee.
U.S. sprinter Richardson returned to the Met Gala wearing a laced lavender long-sleeve and a cream dress. The 25-year-old who also served on the host committee made sure to highlight her signature flashy nails.
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, the Met Gala’s co-chair, lived up to the night’s theme with his cream suit and matching hat.
Three-time gold medallist Thomas dished out glam with a beaded red off-the-shoulder gown, while Lyles drew attention with his stunning short suit and trademark glittery pearls.
WNBA star Angel Reese presented her off-court style at the Met Gala. She stepped out barely 24 hours after a preseason game in a stunning two-piece tuxedo-inspired black dress. The Chicago Sky player too served on the host committee for what has become known as one of the biggest nights in fashion.
Tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams were also in attendance, serenading with greens.
NBA star and three-time Olympic Champion LeBron James who was designated as an honorary chair, missed the event due to a knee injury.
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens have split fans on social media after stepping out at the Met Gala in controversial outfits on Monday night.
American gymnastics icon Biles, who won three gold medals at last year’s Paris Olympics, and her NFL-star husband took to the blue carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the glamorous annual fashion event.
Like the majority of attendees in New York City, and as is tradition at the Met Gala, Simone and Jonathan had no interest in blending in with the crowd and instead arrived wearing some eye-catching attire.
The seven-time Olympic gold medalist opted for a tailored blue mini dress with a white collar and a huge flowing blue train, while Owens donned a coordinating all-white suit with a matching fur cape and a black cane to fit this year’s ‘Superfine’ theme.
And their striking looks sparked controversy amongst fans on social media.
Some were far from impressed by Simone and Jonathan’s outfits, with one writing on X about the former: ‘stick to gymnastics girl coz ILY [I love you] BUT WHAT IS THIS’.
‘They look ridiculous,’ another commented.
A third posted: ‘girl, jump out of that mess.’
While one simply said: ‘awful choice’.
Others, however, were impressed by Biles and Owens’ choice of outfits on the night and took to social media to heap praise on them.
One user put: ‘They look great!!!
‘I love the colour combination!’ said another.
A third said about Biles: ‘She’s gorgeous’.
While another declared: ‘Best dressed couple’.
This year’s Met Gala theme, titled ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, is an homage to menswear centered around ‘sartorial style’ in forming Black identities, with a focus on the ‘Black dandy’ – the 18th-century looks analyzed in Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book ‘Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.’
The ‘Tailored For You’ dress code, meanwhile, called on guests show off bold embodiments of menswear, despite not being an essential requirement.
Before heading to the Met Gala, Biles and Owens also attended the Kentucky Derby on Saturday in equally bold costumes.
The couple, who both wore matching purple outfits at Churchill Downs, were also hit by pregnancy rumors after Simone spoke about her and Jonathan’s desire to have children together.
‘I’ve always wanted to be a mother, have kids and just like [Owens], he’s always wanted to be a dad, so it’s just really exciting,’ she said.
Those comments apparently signaled to fans of the gymnastics star that she was pregnant, but she later took to Threads to shut that notion down.
‘I am not pregnant, I never was pregnant therefore I never had a baby,’ she said. ‘Please stop asking me and falling for AI.’
Watch: Simone Biles gives ‘Riders Up’ before 2025 Kentucky Derby in lavender ensemble
Olympian Simone Biles may be the GOAT in gymnastics, but she found herself horsing around at the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Biles gave the “Riders Up” call ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, a legendary command that informs jockeys to mount their horses. The Olympian donned a lavender ensemble from The Hat Girls, a three-time featured milliner of the Kentucky Derby. Biles paired her lavender strapless mini dress adorned with diamonds with a fascinator and matching eyeshadow.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment, Riders Up!” said Biles, who then blew a kiss.
Biles follows in the footsteps of A-list stars and athletes that have given the “Riders Up” call at the Kentucky Derby, including Martha Stewart (2024), Patrick Mahomes (2023) and Jack Harlow (2022). Other superstars to give the command include Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas (2021), Baker Mayfield (2019), Laila Ali (2018), Jeff Bridges (2017), Sean Payton (2016), Teddy Bridgewater (2015), Julius Erving (2014), Charlie Strong (2013) and John Calipari (2012).
Biles is in town with her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, and her mother, Nellie Biles. Like Biles, Owens was also dressed in lavender on Derby Day and paired a purple fedora and suit jacket with white trousers. The couple arrived in Louisville on Friday and even enjoyed their “first mint julep” at Churchill Downs.
“We love being able to do event together, because it’s not super common when we are in the same room at the same time celebrating something so special,” Biles told the USA TODAY Network from the Derby red carpet.
As for Biles’ Kentucky Derby pick? She fittingly selected Chunk of Gold out of Gate 17 — She does have seven Olympic gold medals to her name, after all. But Chunk of Gold is going to need some luck. Starting gate No. 17 is still looking for its first champion since the post started being used in 1930.
Watch: Simone Biles gives ‘Riders Up’ call
Livvy Dunne gives ‘Riders Up’ call at Kentucky Oaks
Biles isn’t the only gymnast milling around at Churchill Downs. LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne gave the “Riders Up” command at the Kentucky Oaks, which is held annually on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby.
Who performed the national anthem at Kentucky Derby?
Grammy-nominated artist Grace Potter was tapped to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
Simone Biles left it all on the floor at the Paris Olympics, but her latest fashion moment is bringing the heat in a totally different way. The gymnastics icon is the cover star of Netflix Queue’s Issue 20—the streamer’s editorial platform that takes you behind the scenes of your favorite films, series and documentaries—spotlighting the people, ideas and creative process behind them. Biles has the spotlight on her for her four-part documentary Simone Biles Rising, which dives deep into her journey, her mindset and everything in between. (Highly recommend checking that out, btw. Find our full review here.)
But today, I’m here to talk about the fashion. Specifically, one standout look from the cover shoot that fully leans into one of the most celeb-loved trends of the past year: going pantless.
Yep, Simone ditched the bottoms and absolutely owned it. She wore a sleek red bodysuit paired with a matching red leather jacket and let me just say…Olympic gold-level slay. Her hair was styled in long, blonde boho braids and she finished the look with black wraparound heels that climbed up to the knee—giving subtle ballerina energy with a side of glam.
Her other looks from the shoot were equally as glam. In another snap from the shoot, we see her behind the scenes, arms raised, eyes closed, totally in the moment. Elsewhere in the shoot, she switched it up with a cream hooded ensemble and a casual-cool mix of denim and gingham.
Of course, Simone’s not the only one embracing the pantless trend. Everyone from Lady Gaga to Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Chrissy Teigen have rocked variations of the look. (Chrissy even brought it to the 2024 Paris Olympics and again at the 2025 Grammys—silver bodysuit, cape and all.)
With summer just around the corner, don’t be surprised if the no-pants trend keeps popping up everywhere. If Simone’s rocking it, it’s officially worth considering.
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast — she’s a phenomenon. Fans know it. Gymnastics lovers swear by it. And time after time, Simone has come back from setbacks, silenced doubters, and rewritten the script of what greatness looks like. She did it in 2023 after a two-year hiatus, rising from the quiet like a phoenix and turning uncertainty into domination. And she did it again at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where critics whispered about her age, her mental strength, and her ability to keep up with a new generation. Simone heard all of it — and answered not with words, but with medals. Three of them, to be exact. But one stood out above the rest: gold in the vault.
Yes, the vault — the explosive, high-flying, blink-and-you-miss-it event where champions are made by inches and milliseconds. And this time, Simone didn’t just win it. She took down the reigning queen, Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, the defending Olympic champion who many thought had the edge. But Simone had something else. Not just power. Not just precision. She unveiled a vault so difficult, so daring, it stunned even the experts. It was the Yurchenko double pike, a move so dangerous and rare that it bears her name: the Biles II. It’s the kind of skill that separates legends from the rest — and only Simone has ever landed it in the Olympic competition. But the most stunning part?
Well, it didn’t come from the judges’ scores or the roar of the crowd in Paris. It came 9 months later, in a quiet moment of reflection, during Simone Biles’ latest conversation with TIME. There, she looked back on that gravity-defying, logic-defying, history-making vault and said with a laugh, “I was 27 years old doing a Yurchenko double pike—maybe I’m crazy!” That wasn’t just a quip. It was a rare moment of realization, after that unforgettable August night, where even Simone had to pause and acknowledge what she’d done.
Because in the world of gymnastics, 27 is supposed to be old. The Yurchenko double pike is supposed to be untouchable. But Biles bent both rules — with power, grace, and a smile that says, ‘Watch me.’ And as she added in that same interview: “It is wild now that I think about it.” Wild? True. The YDP carries a 6.4 D-score — nearly a full point above any other vault being performed. But why so?
Unlike traditional vaults, where gymnasts launch forward onto the table, Simone Biles’ weapon of choice—the Yurchenko double pike (YDP)—is an entirely different beast. It begins with a roundoff, a cartwheel-like maneuver that turns the gymnast sideways as she plants her hands on the springboard. From there, she explodes into a back handspring onto the vaulting table—and that’s just the takeoff. What follows is what sets hearts racing and jaws dropping.
In midair, Simone completes two full flips—that’s the “double”—but it’s the way she flips that adds the danger. In a “pike” position, she folds her body at the hips, legs straight and tight, grabbing them with control and grace that defy the laws of physics. It’s not just difficult—it’s dreaded. Especially that second flip, which pushes the limits of human capability. But on that Paris night, Simone made it look effortless—a perfect fusion of power and poise, like poetry in motion spinning through the air. And the result? A stunning average score of 15.300. However, Simone bid goodbye to YDP last September, celebrating the moment and dropping a post on Instagram. Another crazy part, right? But what about Biles’s chance to show up in the LA Olympics? Has she shared anything on that matter?
Simone Biles talks about her chances of competing in the LA Olympics
Since her triumphant run at the Paris Olympics, Simone Biles has been noticeably absent from competition mats—no meets, no routines, just a well-earned silence from the queen of gymnastics. But with the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships looming this October—the very event that kickstarts the countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics—one question is echoing louder and louder: Will Simone show up?
So far, there’s no definitive answer. No announcements. No hints of training montages. Just speculation. But Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith tried to dig a little deeper when she caught up with Simone at the Laureus Awards last April. When asked about a potential Olympic return, Simone didn’t give anything away. Instead, she smiled and said,“Well, I’m definitely relaxing as much as possible. I feel like I have no stressors in my life. I get to be with my husband a lot more than before, so it’s been amazing.” That’s not a “yes.” It’s not a “no,” either. It’s a perfectly timed mystery from someone who’s mastered the art of surprise. So, could Simone Biles take on a new role—coach, mentor, ambassador—on the road to LA 2028? Maybe. But for now, she’s keeping it close to the leotard.
Olympic gold medalist gymnast Simone Biles and NFL player Jonathan Owens celebrated with their friends who are expecting a baby.
In an Instagram post posted on Tuesday evening, Biles shared with her followers that she attended influencer and content creator Kayla Simone and Ira Brandon III’s gender reveal party a couple of weeks ago.
The mini photo dump featured a sweet shot of Biles and Owens posing with the parents-to-be, a fun group picture with Simone’s friends and an adorable picture of the couple together.
“Congrats to my beautiful friends 🤍 baby b is already so loved!” Biles wrote. “We can’t wait for his arrival! love y’all so much, you’re gonna be the best parents! I’m excited about this new chapter for y’all 🤭.”
Biles is petite and stands at just 4′8″, noticeably shorter than her husband who is 5′ 11″. Fans couldn’t help but comment on the height difference, with many pointing out how she stood on her tiptoes in the photo with Owens.
“Girl, why are you on your tippy toes🤭💀🤣,” one user commented.
Another fan wrote, “The tip toes omg you’re literally so cute 😭💙”
“I love that you stand on top toes #shortgirl YAY TO NEW,” commented another user.
Many of Biles’ fans also congratulated Simone and Brandon on their milestone, showing support not just for Biles, but for her friends as well.
“Congratulations to your friends new chapter!!!” one fan wrote.
“Wowwwww!!!!…. Beautiful pics!!!!” another user said. “Congrats and god bless the baby!!”
Simone, the expecting mother, also commented on Biles’ post five minutes after it was posted, saying, “Love you guys SO much 🩵 baby B is so lucky to have you guys as family 🥰.”
It was announced earlier this month that Simone Biles, will be serving as the “Riders Up” announce for Kentucky Derby 151 on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
With 41 medals across World Championships and the Olympic games, Biles holds the most World Championship medals (30) and gold medals (23) in gymnastics history. A three-time Olympian, her 11 Olympic medals and seven Olympic gold medals are the most by a US gymnast.
Here’s who else has done it over the years.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at Kentucky Derby 150?
In 2024 at Kentucky Derby 150, Martha Stewart was the “Riders Up” announcer. She almost called Kentucky, “Connecticut,” in a viral moment.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at the Kentucky Derby in 2023?
In 2023 Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chief’s quarterback, was the “Riders Up” announcer.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at the Kentucky Derby in 2022?
During the 2022 Kentucky Derby, rapper and Louisville native Jack Harlow was the “Riders Up” announcer.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at the Kentucky Derby in 2021?
Horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas said “Riders Up” at the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
Simone Biles Let Go of Million Dollar Contract After Nike’s Ungrateful Behaviour & Found a New Home Forever
2021. The much-awaited Tokyo Olympics were just 3 months away when Simone Biles took a tough call, one that no one expected. After a 6-year-long run, she called off her partnership with Nike. Imagine this was at a time when her figures had climbed to about $1.6M a month. But this was no rumor. The ex-sponsor corroborated the news too: “Our contract with Simone Biles has ended, and we wish her the very best.” However, do you know what actually happened? 4 years later, it’s time to unfold that mystery!
Around the time when Simone Biles decided to leave Nike, she wasn’t the only one who was doing that. Renowned American track and field athlete Allyson Felix had just ended her run with the side in 2019. She pinned it on the financial struggles that she went through with the brand once she got pregnant. Even Kobe Bryant’s estate walked out. But no, Simone Biles’ reason was different. Yes, she is one of the greatest female athletes, and Nike did not seem to have made her the major brand face as many expected. But this wasn’t the cause. So what was it? We finally know.
Well, the Thoughtleader co-founder, Fernando Cao, posted the entire timeline of X on April 28, opining that Biles left Nike because she wanted support for her as a person, not just an athlete. She wanted creative input into her products. She knew that a values-driven partnership was of greater significance than a big paycheck or chasing fame. And all these qualities were spotted by her in one brand. No wonder she let go of an $8M contract to join Athleta in 2021, saying, “I think they stand for everything that I stand for.”
And how exactly did Athleta stand out? We have details on this, too. Well, back then, Athleta wasn’t a big name. They were mainly a women-focused brand and in 2021, were valued at $419 million, just 0.2% the size of Nike. But what really set Athleta apart when it came to Simone Biles was how they worked with her. Instead of handing her a set of designs and saying, ‘wear this,’ they flipped the script and asked her, “What do YOU want to create?” At the time, that was pretty rare, and it made a real impression on Biles.
Also, Athleta backed her financially, too, sponsoring her Gold Over America Tour and helping her vision come to life. But maybe the biggest thing? They saw who she really is, as in the Simone Biles behind the performances. That’s why her designs included affirmations like “Because I can,” something she would say to herself when pushing the limits with new skills. Even the products were practical. Fabrics that stayed put during flips and twists solved real problems. That was how Athleta became a game changer for Biles. And then? It was like the two were always associated with each other.
Simone Biles and Athleta were meant to be
In their early days, Athleta only had two major athlete partners, Allyson Felix and Simone Biles. But the brand kept focusing on inclusivity, women’s empowerment, and sustainability. Like when Simone Biles made the tough decision to withdraw from the Olympics to prioritize her mental health, she faced a wave of criticism. But Athleta responded immediately, saying, “We stand by Simone and support her well-being both in and out of competition.”
And it wasn’t just a polished PR statement. Athleta actually built mental health and community support into their deal with Simone. They even offered counseling for athletes and created mentorship programs to support young gymnasts.
The results showed a tremendous difference. Simone Biles’ collections sold out within days. Even sales jumped 37% during her campaigns. And nearly 60% of new customers said they bought from Athleta specifically because of how genuinely involved the athletes were. While bigger brands like Nike may have missed this strategy, Athleta got it. No wonder Simone Biles’ partnership is going strong, and now she’s joined by other powerhouse names like Katie Ledecky, Monica Piug, and others.
Aimee Boorman has heard that line, over and over, from other coaches when they talk about the gymnast she helped lift to heights never seen within their sport.
“They say it with a sense of pride,” Boorman tells USA TODAY Sports, “and it’s like, ‘So you realize how many potential Simones you have pushed out of your gym?’ “
Biles was the kid who always loved the gymnastics part, but not the work that went into making her the best. Some days she just wanted to go home.
Those characteristics didn’t necessarily change as she grew into the decorated champion America knew. Boorman, though, was willing to manage them in a way others wouldn’t.
Biles’ coach from age 7 through her four-gold-medal performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics remembers her as one of her more challenging pupils.
“If everybody is just strict and obedient, you grow stale as a coach,” Boorman says. “So when you have somebody who’s throwing something new at you all the time, on an emotional level, on a personality level, you gotta grow. And I think some of those other coaches weren’t willing to grow.
“When people say, ‘Well, there’s only going to be one Simone,’ I’m like, ‘That’s not true.’ You have to know how to manage that athlete to get them to the point they could be a Simone.”
Boorman’s approach – nurturing, forgiving, even relenting – was novel to coaching within a sport of forced discipline and regulation. She lays out her methodology, ingrained in her by a tumultuous childhood experience, in “The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles.”
The book, which was released last week, reveals a back story of how athletes develop and mature but also how they can have giggles on their face before and after their most triumphant Olympic moments.
Boorman and co-author Steve Cooper spoke with us about facing unique challenges while coaching and parenting our athletes and how we can overcome them in unexpected ways.
“Nothing about Simone’s greatness was inevitable,” Cooper said during our Zoom interview. “It was a process. It wasn’t just luck.”
‘If it wasn’t fun, she wasn’t having any part of it’: Without love for a sport, it’s difficult to move forward
Boorman is often asked if she knew when Biles would become superstar. The answer: When she became one.
“Up until that point, anything can happen,” she says, “and any given day, if Simone didn’t have that passion and that love for gymnastics inside of her, she could be like, ‘I’m done. I’m gonna go run track.’ “
Boorman recalls the joy she felt as a young girl in the early 1980s, when she first flung herself from the bars of Lakeshore Academy in Chicago, but also how quickly a reckless coach drained it from her.
No matter how long she stood on the balance beam, her arms raised until they were numb trying to get Coach Jeremy’s attention, he wasn’t satisfied. His name is a pseudonym, but also an extreme archetype for an era of the sport: No positive reinforcement, no acknowledgement of effort and sometimes little hope.
“That constant negative input made me have total lack of belief in myself,” she says.
And yet, like most kids, Aimee yearned to please him. She arrived early one day, straining to grab his undivided attention by working out on her own. She broke her leg. Then he ignored her for months until she finally quit.
