Simone Biles’ remarkable career reached another pinnacle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she added four more medals to her collection: three golds in the women’s all-around, vault and team competitions, and a silver in the floor exercise. At 27, she became the oldest U.S. gymnast to compete in the Olympics in more than seven decades, defying expectations and cementing her status as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. With 11 Olympic medals, she is now tied with Czech gymnast Vera Caslavska, trailing only Larisa Latynina’s record 18. Her dominance in Paris reignited debates about her place in history and whether she should have been named TIME’s Athlete of the Year instead ofCaitlin Clark. While Biles received the honor in 2021, many believe her recent accomplishments warranted a second title.
Biles’ Legacy Continues
Recently, Biles made headlines not for competition, but for a heartfelt reunion. Accompanied by her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, she visited Athens, Georgia, where she reconnected with her former coach, Cecile Canqueteau-Landi. The two shared an emotional moment at Stegeman Coliseum, where Landi, now Georgia’s co-head gymnastics coach, welcomed Biles with open arms. Landi coached Biles from 2017 through her historic Olympic run in 2024, before moving on to lead Georgia’s program. Despite parting ways professionally, their bond remains strong, a testament to the impact Landi had on Biles’ triumphant return to the world stage after the challenges she faced at Tokyo 2021.
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Beyond her own accomplishments, Biles continues to shape the sport for future generations. The Biles International Invitational, held annually at the World Champions Center-her family’s facility in Texas-has become a signature event for young gymnasts who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Since 2018, the competition has attracted more than 2,000 female gymnasts, providing a platform for rising stars. Biles recently expressed her gratitude for hosting the event, emphasizing her commitment to elevating gymnastics beyond her competitive years. While she has yet to fully unpack from her trip to the Paris Olympics, her continued presence in the sport suggests she’s not quite ready to leave it behind.
Biles and Owens Future as a Couple
Looking ahead, Biles’ competitive career with Team USA may be over, but her impact will likely continue. With the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon, she could take on a mentorship role and help guide the next generation of American gymnasts. Just as the U.S. dominated gymnastics in Paris, her expertise could play a crucial role in keeping the nation atop the podium. Away from the mat, her presence in the NFL world has also been notable. As arguably the most famous WAG in the league after Taylor Swift, Biles has drawn attention to her husband’s team. But unlike Travis Kelce and the Chiefs, Jonathan Owens and the Chicago Bears have struggled, as they finished the season losing 10 of their last 11 games. Now, with new head coach Ben Johnson and sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams, Chicago is looking for a turnaround in 2025.