Simone Biles | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 23, 2025

Who is Simone Biles?

Simone Arianne Biles, born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, is widely recognized as the most decorated gymnast in history. She has amassed an impressive total of 41 Olympic and World Championship medals, demonstrating unparalleled dominance in the sport. Biles was introduced to gymnastics at the young age of six, quickly rising through the ranks of junior elite competitions before making a groundbreaking debut at the senior level in 2013. Her remarkable talent earned her immediate acclaim, culminating in her historic triumphs at multiple international events, where she became the first Black woman to win gold in the all-around at World Championships.

Biles has participated in three Olympic Games, with her most notable performance occurring during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won five medals, including four golds. Her career faced challenges during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she prioritized her mental health and withdrew from several events. Nevertheless, Biles made a stunning return to the competitive arena, claiming four medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including three golds and a silver. As a role model and advocate for mental health awareness, Biles’ impact extends beyond gymnastics, inspiring countless athletes around the world.

Early Life and Education

Simone Arianne Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio. Her early life was marked by hardship; due to her mother's struggles with substance abuse, Simone and her siblings were placed in foster care when she was just three years old. After a few years, her grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, took her and her sister Adria into their home in Spring, Texas, eventually adopting them. This loving and supportive environment allowed Simone to flourish and develop her natural athletic abilities, eventually leading her toward gymnastics.

At the age of six, Biles's athletic journey began during a field trip to a gymnastics center. She was captivated by the sport and began training seriously after her coach recognized her talent. With her grandparents' unwavering support—especially from her grandmother, Nellie, who emphasized the importance of hard work and encouragement—Simone quickly progressed in the gymnastics world. Her education revolved around balancing rigorous training schedules with schoolwork, ultimately leading her to compete at elite levels and successfully transition from junior competitions to becoming a senior elite gymnast.

Career Start: Rise to Prominence in Gymnastics

Simone Arianne Biles began her gymnastics journey at the tender age of six when she discovered her passion during a field trip to a gymnastics center. Inspired by the athletes she saw, Biles demonstrated natural talent, prompting the coaches to invite her to join a gymnastics program. Over the next few years, she honed her skills and quickly ascended through the ranks, competing as a level 8 gymnast by 2007. By 2011, at just 14 years old, Biles made her mark at the junior elite level, dominating events and showcasing her potential as a future star in gymnastics.

Her breakthrough moment came in 2013 when she captured the all-around titles at both the U.S. and World Championships in her first year as a senior elite athlete. This phenomenal achievement established Biles as one of the top contenders in women’s gymnastics. Throughout her career, she continued to shatter records and push the boundaries of the sport. By the time she competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles was already a household name, having won multiple national and world titles, and she ultimately solidified her legacy with five Olympic medals, including four golds, earning her the title of the most decorated gymnast in history.

Career Success: Achievements and Records

Simone Biles is celebrated as the most accomplished gymnast in history, holding a remarkable record of 41 combined Olympic and World Championship medals. She first emerged as a gymnastics prodigy at the age of six and swiftly advanced through the ranks, making her senior debut in 2013. That year, she captured the U.S. and World Championships all-around titles, marking the beginning of her dominance in the sport. With six all-around World titles and nine U.S. Championship titles, Biles has secured her place as a trailblazer, inspiring countless young gymnasts with her unparalleled performances and groundbreaking techniques.

Biles’ achievements on the Olympic stage further solidified her legendary status. At the Rio 2016 Games, she won five medals, including four golds, making her one of only four gymnasts to achieve this feat in a single Olympics. After a brief hiatus from competition due to mental health concerns, she returned triumphantly to the sport, claiming multiple medals at the 2023 World Championships and again making waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics with three golds and one silver. Biles continues to innovate and elevate the sport, with several signature moves named after her, including the famed "Biles” on vault and floor exercise.

TV Appearances: Dancing with the Stars and Netflix Docuseries

Simone Biles is not only a phenomenal gymnast but has also showcased her charisma and talent in the entertainment industry. In 2017, she participated in the 24th season of "Dancing with the Stars," where she was paired with professional dancer Sasha Farber. The competition provided a new platform for Biles, allowing her to display her dance skills alongside her athletic prowess. Despite impressing judges and viewers alike with her performances, she was eliminated in the semifinals, leaving a lasting impression on fans for her determination and grace.

In addition to her stint on "Dancing with the Stars," Biles is the star of a Netflix docuseries titled "Simone Biles Rising," which premiered on July 17, 2024. This four-part series documents her journey as she balances her rigorous gymnastics training with her personal life and mental health challenges. The docuseries aims to offer an intimate look into the struggles and triumphs that have defined Biles’ career, illustrating her resilience and dedication both in and out of the gym. Through these appearances, Biles continues to inspire audiences worldwide, proving that her impact goes far beyond the gymnastics mat.

Personal Life: Married to Jonathan Owens

Simone Biles is married to NFL player Jonathan Owens, solidifying their bond after a public relationship that began in August 2020. The couple got engaged in February 2022, marking an exciting milestone in their journey together. Their love story culminated in a civil ceremony on April 21, 2023, followed by a beautiful destination wedding in Mexico on May 6. Despite their busy careers—Biles with her gymnastics training and Owens pursuing his football career—the couple continues to support each other from afar.

Owens has played for various teams, including the Green Bay Packers, and signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Bears in March 2024. Biles has shared her appreciation for their enduring relationship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong connection despite their long-distance lifestyle. Together, they are in the process of building a home in Texas, symbolizing their commitment to creating a shared life. Their partnership is not only a source of joy but also a supportive foundation as both navigate high-pressure careers in sports.

Net Worth and Earning: Estimated at $25 million

Simone Biles, born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, is a gymnastics sensation and the most decorated gymnast in history. With an astounding 41 Olympic and World Championship medals, her early introduction to gymnastics at just six years old set the stage for a prolific career. Biles quickly rose to prominence, captivating audiences worldwide with her extraordinary talent and powerful performances. She has won six World all-around titles and nine U.S. Championship titles, both records that showcase her dominance in the sport. Furthermore, her historical gold medal victories at the 2016 Rio Games solidified her status as a gymnastics legend.

Aside from her athletic accolades, Simone Biles has also achieved significant financial success, with her net worth estimated at $25 million as of 2024. Much of her wealth stems from lucrative endorsement deals with well-known brands like The Hershey Company, Kellogg’s, and Visa, which capitalized on her popularity following the 2016 Olympics. In 2023, Biles ranked as the ninth-highest earning female athlete, bringing in around $8.5 million in earnings largely from sponsorships, speaking engagements, and her alluring presence in popular culture. Her brand value and marketability have made her not only an icon in gymnastics but also a prosperous businesswoman.