When you think of gymnastics excellence, one name towers above the rest: Simone Biles. With her gravity-defying skills and unwavering determination, she has transformed what we thought was possible in the sport. From her record-breaking Olympic performances to her candid discussions about mental health, Biles has become more than just an athlete—she’s a cultural icon who continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Whether you’re curious about her personal life, her incredible achievements, or what the future holds for this gymnastics legend, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Simone Biles. We’ll explore her journey from a young gymnast in Texas to becoming the most decorated gymnast in history, while also diving into frequently asked questions about her height, marriage, net worth, and retirement plans.
Join us as we celebrate the woman who didn’t just master gymnastics—she revolutionized it.
Who is Simone Biles?
Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone Arianne Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in the history of the sport. Her journey to greatness began early, but it wasn’t without challenges. After spending time in foster care, Biles was adopted by her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie, who became the loving parents who supported her gymnastics dreams.
Biles’ dominance in gymnastics is unparalleled. She holds the record for the most world championship medals (30) of any gymnast, with an astounding 23 of those being gold. Her consistency and the complexity of her performances have set her apart from every other competitor in the sport’s history.
At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Biles made history by becoming the first female U.S. gymnast to win four gold medals at a single Games. This achievement alone would have secured her place in gymnastics history, but she was just getting started. She became the first gymnast to win six world all-around titles, claiming victories in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
What makes Biles truly exceptional isn’t just her medal count—it’s how she’s pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in gymnastics. She has several skills named after her, including the “Biles” on floor exercise and the “Biles II” vault (also known as the Yurchenko double pike). These moves are so tricky that many gymnasts don’t even attempt them.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has become a powerful advocate for mental health awareness and athlete safety. Her decision to prioritize her well-being during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics sparked essential conversations about the pressures faced by elite athletes and the importance of mental health in sports.
Simone Biles Height: Small Stature, Towering Achievements
One of the most frequently asked questions about Simone Biles concerns her height. Standing at 4 feet 8 inches (1.4 meters) tall, Biles is notably shorter than many of her competitors. To put this in perspective, she’s about 4 inches below the average height of female gymnasts and approximately 7 inches shorter than the average American woman, who stands around 5 feet 4 inches.
However, what Biles lacks in height, she more than makes up for in power and athleticism. Her compact frame provides several advantages in gymnastics. Her lower center of gravity helps with balance and stability, while her incredible strength-to-weight ratio allows her to generate the explosive power needed for her signature moves.
Many gymnastics experts argue that Biles’ height contributes to her ability to rotate faster in the air, enabling her to complete the complex twists and flips that have become her trademark. Her famous Yurchenko double pike vault, for instance, requires incredible spatial awareness and rotational speed—qualities that her build naturally supports.
Biles has never let her height define her limitations. Instead, she’s used her unique physical attributes to her advantage, proving that in gymnastics, it’s not about how tall you are—it’s about how high you can soar.
Simone Biles’ Husband: A Love Story That Captivated Fans
Simone Biles’ personal life took a beautiful turn when she married NFL safety Jonathan Owens. Their love story began in 2020 when they connected on the dating app Raya, and it quickly blossomed into one of sports’ most beloved relationships.
The couple’s journey to marriage was filled with sweet moments that they frequently shared with fans on social media. Owens, who has played for teams including the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers, proved to be the perfect match for the gymnastics superstar.
On April 22, 2023, Biles and Owens exchanged vows during an intimate courthouse ceremony. The NFL player shared the joyous news on Instagram with a series of wedding photos, captioning them “My person, forever ❤️💍.” Biles responded in the comments with “I love you, husband,” melting hearts across social media.
For their courthouse wedding, Biles looked stunning in a halter-style wedding dress with tiered tulle, while Owens complemented her perfectly in a tan suit. But this was just the beginning of their wedding celebrations.
Two weeks later, on May 6, 2023, the couple held a more elaborate ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The destination wedding took place at the Umi Terrace of the Nobu Los Cabos, with 144 guests in attendance. The event featured lush florals and elegant champagne, gold, and white décor that created a dreamy atmosphere for their special day.
In an interview with Vogue, Biles opened up about her wedding day emotions, admitting, “My heart was beating out of my chest” as she prepared to walk down the aisle. “I’ve never been so nervous before in my life,” she recalled, which is remarkable considering she’s performed on the world’s biggest stages without showing such nerves.
“Seeing Jonathan at the altar was a dream,” she added. “Our guests were cheering for everyone. I was shocked by the love in the air. The ceremony was so beautiful and dreamy.”
The couple’s relationship continues to inspire fans, with both athletes supporting each other’s careers and sharing glimpses of their life on social media.
Simone Biles Net Worth: The Financial Success of a Champion
Simone Biles’ success on the gymnastics floor has translated into significant financial success off it. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Biles has accumulated a fortune of approximately $25 million, making her one of the wealthiest gymnasts in history.
The breakdown of her earnings reveals interesting insights about the economics of elite gymnastics. According to Forbes, Biles earned $7.1 million in 2023 alone. However, what’s particularly noteworthy is that only $100,000 of this total came from competing and winnings. The vast majority of her income stems from endorsement deals, sponsorships, and other business ventures.
This earning structure highlights how elite gymnasts must capitalize on their fame and success through brand partnerships rather than prize money. Biles has secured lucrative deals with major brands including Nike, Uber Eats, Mastercard, and SK-II, among others. Her marketability extends far beyond gymnastics, as brands recognize her influence and the positive values she represents.
Her financial success also comes from strategic business decisions and investments. Biles has leveraged her platform to build a sustainable income stream that extends well beyond her competitive career. This financial foundation provides her with the security to make decisions about her athletic future based on her desires rather than economic necessity.
The growth in her net worth—reportedly increasing by $18 million from previous estimates—demonstrates the lasting value of her brand and the wise financial choices she’s made throughout her career.
Simone Biles Pregnancy Rumors: Setting the Record Straight
Despite persistent rumors and speculation on social media, there is no evidence to suggest that Simone Biles is currently pregnant. She has not publicly announced any pregnancy news, and her social media posts do not indicate that she is expecting a child.
These rumors appear to surface periodically, often without any factual basis. Biles herself has had to address and debunk such speculation in the past. The persistence of these rumors highlights the intense public interest in her personal life and the challenges that come with being a high-profile athlete.
It’s worth noting that pregnancy rumors about female athletes are unfortunately common and often stem from speculation about career decisions, changes in competition schedules, or even natural variations in physical appearance. Such rumors can be particularly intrusive and stressful for the athletes involved.
Biles has been open about many aspects of her personal life, including her marriage to Jonathan Owens and her mental health journey. If and when she decides to start a family, it’s likely she would share this news on her terms and timeline.
For now, fans should focus on celebrating her current achievements and respecting her privacy regarding personal family planning decisions.
Simone Biles’ Retirement: The Future of a Legend
The question of Simone Biles’ retirement from competitive gymnastics remains one of the most discussed topics in the sport. While she has not officially announced her retirement, her statements and actions suggest she’s carefully considering her future in competitive gymnastics.
Following the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles has indicated that she’s contemplating retirement. She has mentioned being “humble enough to know when to be done”. She has expressed uncertainty about what more she could gain by continuing to compete, given her unprecedented level of success.
However, Biles has also kept the door open for a potential return, particularly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The prospect of competing on home soil holds special appeal, and she has stated, “never say never” regarding the Games in LA. This possibility keeps fans hopeful while acknowledging that she’s earned the right to make decisions based purely on her desires and well-being.
One significant decision she has made is retiring her signature vault, the “Biles II” (Yurchenko double pike). After successfully performing this challenging skill at the Paris Olympics, she announced that she would no longer compete in this element. This move could be seen as a symbolic step toward winding down her competitive career, though she continues to compete in other events.
Biles’s approach to potential retirement reflects her evolved perspective on gymnastics and life. She has become increasingly vocal about the importance of mental health and athlete well-being, having previously withdrawn from events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health. This decision, while controversial at the time, has since been widely praised and has opened meaningful conversations about athlete welfare.
The physical demands of elite gymnastics also factor into her retirement considerations. Most professional gymnasts retire in their late teens or early twenties due to the sport’s intense physical requirements. At 27, Biles has already far exceeded the typical career span of a gymnast, making her longevity in the sport all the more remarkable.
Whatever she decides, Biles has already secured her legacy as the most successful gymnast in history. Her influence extends far beyond her medal count, as she has changed conversations about mental health in sports and inspired a new generation of gymnasts to push boundaries while prioritizing their well-being.
A Legacy That Transcends Sport
Simone Biles represents far more than gymnastics excellence. She embodies resilience, courage, and the power of authentic self-expression. From her record-breaking performances to her advocacy for mental health, she has redefined what it means to be a champion.
Her journey from a young girl in foster care to the most decorated gymnast in history serves as an inspiration to countless people around the world. Whether she continues competing or moves into retirement, her impact on gymnastics and society will endure for generations.
As we continue to follow her story, one thing remains certain: Simone Biles has already achieved true greatness, both as an athlete and as a human being who uses her platform to make the world a better place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympic medals does Simone Biles have?
Simone Biles has won a total of 7 Olympic medals: 4 gold medals and one bronze from the 2016 Rio Olympics, plus one gold and one silver from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021).
What skills are named after Simone Biles?
Several gymnastics skills are officially named after Simone Biles, including “The Biles” on floor exercise (a double layout with a half twist), “The Biles” on beam (a double-double dismount), and “The Biles II” on vault (the Yurchenko double pike).
When did Simone Biles start gymnastics?
Simone Biles began gymnastics at age six during a daycare field trip to Bannon’s Gymnastix in Houston, Texas. She started training seriously shortly after and quickly showed exceptional talent.
Has Simone Biles written any books?
Yes, Simone Biles has authored several books, including her autobiography “Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance” and children’s books in “The Simone Biles Series.”
What is Simone Biles’ training schedule like?
During peak training periods, Biles typically trains 6-7 hours per day, 6 days a week. Her training includes gymnastics skills practice, strength and conditioning, dance, and mental preparation.
How has Simone Biles impacted gymnastics?
Beyond her competitive achievements, Biles has revolutionized gymnastics by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. She has also been instrumental in advancing conversations about mental health and athlete safety in gymnastics.