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Simone Biles is no stranger to the Olympic spotlight. But for the first time in her legendary career, the most decorated gymnast in history experienced the Games from a completely different perspective - as a fan.
Following her historic run at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Biles took a competitive break from gymnastics. Instead of preparing for another podium moment, she traveled to Italy with her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, to attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. There, she witnessed Team USA deliver one of its strongest performances ever.
The American delegation finished second in the medal standings with 33 total medals, including 12 golds - eight of them won by women. Biles, who has long championed women's excellence in sport, proudly celebrated that milestone.
Simone Biles reflects on her first Olympics as a spectator
After returning home, Biles shared photos from the trip on Instagram and made a surprising admission about her experience.
First Olympics as a spectator! I've lived it as a competitor - this time I got to witness it. Huge congrats to every athlete who showed up & gave their all! And to those who walked away feeling like it wasn't your best - you are still elite, still worthy, and your story isn't finished.
For an athlete who has carried Olympic expectations for nearly a decade, the shift from competitor to supporter marked a meaningful moment. Owens echoed the sentiment in the comments, writing, "Had a blast ."
Biles' Olympic résumé speaks for itself. She burst onto the world stage at the 2016 Rio Olympics, capturing four gold medals and one bronze. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, she prioritized her mental health after experiencing the "twisties," ultimately earning silver and bronze medals while reshaping the conversation around athlete well-being.
Her 2024 Paris comeback further solidified her legacy. At 27, she became the oldest woman in 72 years to win Olympic all-around gold, adding vault and team gold medals plus a floor exercise silver. That performance brought her Olympic medal total to 11, the most by any American gymnast in history.
What's next for Simone Biles?
Though Biles has not competed since Paris, she remains connected to the sport. Throughout the 2025 NFL season, she supported Owens at Chicago Bears games before the couple traveled abroad during the offseason.
Looking ahead, Biles is expected to return to competition later this year at the World Championships. Her potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains uncertain, though she has not ruled it out.
For now, experiencing the Olympic Games from the stands offered a rare chance for reflection. After years of performing under immense pressure, Biles embraced the opportunity to cheer from the sidelines - proving that even the greatest champions can find joy in simply witnessing excellence.
Whether she returns to Olympic competition or not, her impact on gymnastics and global sport remains unmatched.