Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in gymnastics history. Known for her extraordinary athletic ability, groundbreaking skills and record-breaking performances, she has become a global sporting icon. Born on March 14, 1997, Biles rose from a challenging childhood to international fame, winning seven Olympic gold medals and 11 Olympic medals overall. Her achievements at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics, together with her advocacy for mental health, have made her an influential figure both inside and outside sports. She is married to American football player Jonathan Owens and continues to attract public attention through her sporting legacy, personal life and potential return to competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Simone Arianne Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, United States. She was the third of four siblings born to Shanon Biles. During her early childhood, her biological mother struggled to provide consistent care for the children, and Simone and her siblings experienced the foster care system. These early experiences created challenges that would later become an important part of her personal story. Despite the difficulties, Biles eventually found stability in a family environment that encouraged her to pursue her interests and develop her athletic abilities.
When Simone was a young child, her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie Biles, began caring for her and her younger sister, Adria. The family later adopted the two girls, providing them with a stable home in Spring, Texas, near Houston. Her older siblings were adopted by another relative. Ron and Nellie played a major role in Simone’s upbringing, offering the emotional support and practical assistance that helped her develop confidence and discipline. Simone has frequently acknowledged the importance of her adoptive parents in her journey to becoming a world-class gymnast.
Biles discovered gymnastics at approximately six years old during a daycare field trip. Her natural ability to perform movements and imitate the instructors attracted attention, and she was encouraged to continue training. She subsequently enrolled in gymnastics classes at Bannon’s Gymnastix in Texas. What began as a childhood activity quickly developed into a serious sporting ambition. With consistent training and encouragement from her family, Biles progressed through competitive gymnastics and eventually became one of the most celebrated athletes of her generation.
Education of Simone Biles
Simone Biles began her formal education in Texas, where she attended Benfer Elementary School in Harris County. During her early school years, she balanced ordinary classroom responsibilities with her growing interest in gymnastics. As her abilities improved, her training schedule became increasingly demanding, requiring her to spend more time in the gym. Her family recognized that pursuing elite gymnastics would require adjustments to her everyday routine, including the way she received her education.
In 2012, Biles transitioned from traditional classroom education to homeschooling. This decision allowed her to devote more time to gymnastics training while continuing her academic studies. As a competitive gymnast, she needed a flexible schedule that accommodated practice sessions, competitions, recovery and travel. Homeschooling helped her maintain that balance and prepare for the increasingly demanding responsibilities of elite sport. She completed her high school education in 2015.
Biles initially committed to attending the University of California, Los Angeles, where she intended to continue her education while competing in collegiate gymnastics. However, she decided to turn professional in 2015, giving up her NCAA eligibility so that she could pursue commercial opportunities and prepare for the 2016 Olympic Games. Although she did not follow the conventional university route, her professional development involved extensive technical training, coaching, physical conditioning and competition experience. Her education and career choices demonstrate how she adapted her plans to meet the demands of an exceptional sporting opportunity.
Simone Biles’ Career and Professional Achievements
Simone Biles began competing at the elite level in 2011 and quickly demonstrated the potential to become an international star. Her breakthrough came at the 2013 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, where she won the women’s individual all-around title. She also earned medals in other events, establishing herself as one of the leading gymnasts in the world. Her performances were distinguished by exceptional power, difficult routines, consistency and the ability to execute technically challenging skills under pressure.
Between 2014 and 2015, Biles strengthened her position as the dominant gymnast of her generation. She won multiple world titles and became known for her performances on the floor exercise, vault and balance beam. Her ability to combine difficulty with execution helped her separate herself from many competitors. Several advanced skills performed by Biles were subsequently named after her in the sport’s official code of points, reflecting their originality and technical difficulty.
The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics marked a defining moment in her career. Biles won four gold medals in the team competition, individual all-around, vault and floor exercise, as well as a bronze medal on the balance beam. Her performances made her one of the standout athletes of the Games and cemented her international reputation. The achievement placed her among the most successful American gymnasts in Olympic history and attracted a worldwide audience to women’s artistic gymnastics.
Following the Rio Olympics, Biles continued to win major competitions and expand her influence. She became a multiple-time world champion and maintained her position among the world’s top gymnasts. However, her career also involved difficult periods. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she withdrew from several events after experiencing the condition known as the twisties, which can disrupt a gymnast’s spatial awareness during aerial movements. She later returned to compete on the balance beam, winning a bronze medal, while also receiving a silver medal with the United States team. Her decision to prioritize her safety and mental well-being generated an international conversation about athlete welfare.
In 2023, Biles made a remarkable competitive comeback. She won the all-around title at the U.S. Championships and returned to the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where she helped the United States win the team title. She also collected individual medals, further extending her record as one of the most decorated gymnasts in the sport’s history. Her comeback demonstrated that she could return to elite competition after taking time away to recover and reassess her priorities.
The 2024 Paris Olympics became another landmark in Biles’ career. She won gold medals in the team competition, individual all-around and vault, alongside a silver medal in the floor exercise. These results brought her Olympic total to 11 medals, including seven gold medals. Her Paris performances were widely described as a successful return following the difficulties of Tokyo and strengthened her standing as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
After Paris, Biles stepped away from regular international competition. In September 2026, she said she remained undecided about participating in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The possibility of competing at a home Games appeals to her, but she has also considered the physical demands of elite gymnastics, her family plans and the time that another Olympic campaign would require. A successful training session reportedly encouraged her to reconsider a return, but she has not made a definitive commitment. Her future in competition therefore remains open.
Outside gymnastics, Biles has participated in television programs, documentaries, endorsement campaigns and public-awareness initiatives. Her life and career have been explored in the Netflix documentary series Simone Biles Rising, which introduced audiences to her experiences, comeback and approach to mental health. These activities have broadened her public profile beyond sport and established her as a recognizable figure in entertainment, advertising and athlete advocacy.
Simone Biles’ Personal Life and Family
Simone Biles has frequently credited her family with providing the support necessary for her success. Her biological mother is Shanon Biles, while her adoptive parents are Ron Biles and Nellie Biles. Her sister, Adria Biles, has also featured in accounts of her family life. Ron and Nellie adopted Simone and Adria after they experienced foster care, and their support helped provide a stable environment in which Simone could pursue gymnastics. Biles has spoken positively about the importance of family, particularly during difficult periods in her career.
Biles married Jonathan Owens, an American professional football player, in April 2023. The couple initially held a civil wedding in Houston, Texas, followed by a larger destination celebration in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They began dating in 2020 after meeting through the dating app Raya. Their relationship has attracted significant public interest because both are professional athletes with demanding schedules. Owens has played in the National Football League, and Biles has regularly supported him during his football career. In 2026, he joined the Indianapolis Colts, and Biles has continued to appear at games and share moments from their life together.
Biles and Owens have spoken about their interest in having a family in the future, although they have not publicly confirmed having children. Biles has also discussed the importance of balancing professional ambitions with personal happiness. Her experiences in foster care have influenced her advocacy for children and families who need support. Despite her international fame, she regularly shares ordinary moments from her marriage, family gatherings, travels and home life, giving followers a glimpse of the person behind her sporting achievements.
Simone Biles’ Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Simone Biles is 29 years old as of October 2026, having been born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio. She is American by nationality and is widely identified as African American. Biographical accounts have described her family as Catholic, although personal religious practice should not be assumed to remain unchanged without a recent statement from Biles herself. Her height is approximately 4 feet 8 inches, or 142 centimetres, a stature that is common among elite female artistic gymnasts. She has a compact, muscular build, strong legs, powerful shoulders and exceptional core strength. Her physical attributes, combined with coordination, explosive power, flexibility and precise body control, have helped her execute some of the most difficult routines in modern gymnastics.
Simone Biles’ Social Media Presence
Simone Biles maintains a substantial social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she uses the handle @simonebiles. Her account features gymnastics highlights, personal milestones, travel, fashion, family moments and support for her husband, Jonathan Owens. She also shares photographs and videos from major events and commercial partnerships, giving fans a closer look at her life outside competition.
Her social media platforms have helped her build a direct relationship with supporters around the world. During major sporting events, her posts often attract widespread attention, while her openness about mental health and the challenges of elite athletics has encouraged conversations about athlete well-being. She also uses her visibility to participate in public-awareness campaigns and promote brands associated with her professional image.
In October 2026, Biles attracted attention for a custom outfit worn while supporting Owens at an Indianapolis Colts game. The design featured his name and jersey number, demonstrating how she combines personal expression, fashion and her support for her husband’s football career. Her online influence remains an important part of her public profile even when she is not competing.
Simone Biles’ Net Worth in 2026
Simone Biles’ net worth is commonly estimated at approximately $25 million in some celebrity-finance publications, although this figure has not been confirmed through audited financial statements or a personal disclosure. It should therefore be treated as an estimate rather than a verified account of her wealth. Her financial success comes from a combination of gymnastics earnings, sponsorships, brand endorsements, appearances and other commercial activities. Her Olympic achievements have made her an attractive partner for companies seeking to associate their products with excellence, resilience and athletic performance.
A significant part of Biles’ earning potential comes from endorsement agreements and commercial partnerships. Unlike many professional athletes in major team sports, artistic gymnasts generally earn a smaller proportion of their income from regular competition salaries. Biles’ international reputation, however, has enabled her to secure opportunities that extend beyond prize money. Her work with brands, public appearances, television projects and documentary productions has contributed to her commercial profile. The exact value of individual contracts is not always publicly disclosed, making it difficult to calculate her annual income precisely.
Biles’ wealth should also be understood in the context of her long-term career and professional opportunities. Her continued visibility, social media reach and potential future projects may provide additional income, although future earnings cannot be guaranteed. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, has a separate professional football career, and his finances should not automatically be combined with hers when estimating her personal net worth. Overall, the frequently cited $25 million figure provides a broad indication of her commercial success, but the true value of her assets, investments and liabilities is not publicly established.
Simone Biles’ Legacy and Impact on Gymnastics
Simone Biles has established a historic legacy through her Olympic and World Championship achievements. With seven Olympic gold medals and 11 Olympic medals overall, she ranks among the most successful gymnasts in history. Her World Championship record includes numerous gold medals, and her ability to win across multiple events has set a high standard for future competitors. The naming of several gymnastics skills after her is another indication of her technical influence, as her routines have expanded expectations of what athletes can safely and successfully perform.
Beyond medals, Biles has helped change public discussions about mental health in elite sport. Her decision to withdraw from several events at the Tokyo Olympics brought worldwide attention to the dangers gymnasts may face when their spatial awareness is compromised. Rather than continuing at the risk of serious injury, she prioritized her safety. This decision prompted discussions among athletes, coaches, sports organizations and fans about the importance of psychological well-being, recovery and responsible competition. Her subsequent return to international gymnastics showed that taking time away does not necessarily mean the end of an athlete’s career.
Biles’ wider influence also includes her advocacy for children who have experienced foster care, her public profile as a Black American woman in elite sport and her ability to inspire young gymnasts. Her story illustrates how family support, determination and access to opportunities can help an athlete overcome difficult circumstances. Through her achievements, public appearances, documentary projects and social media presence, she has become a role model for many people beyond gymnastics. Whatever decision she makes about the 2028 Olympics, her existing accomplishments have already secured her place among the most influential figures in the history of the sport.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ biography is a story of exceptional talent, determination, family support and personal resilience. From her childhood in Ohio and adoption by Ron and Nellie Biles to her rise as an Olympic champion, she has overcome significant challenges and redefined the possibilities of artistic gymnastics. Her seven Olympic gold medals, 11 Olympic medals overall and numerous world titles have established her as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her marriage to Jonathan Owens, her commercial success and her advocacy for mental health have also made her a prominent public figure beyond sports. As of October 2026, Biles has not confirmed whether she will compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but her influence on gymnastics and athlete well-being remains firmly established.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simone Biles
1. How old is Simone Biles in 2026?
Simone Biles is 29 years old in 2026. She was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
2. Who is Simone Biles’ husband?
Simone Biles is married to Jonathan Owens, an American professional football player in the NFL. They married in April 2023, first in a civil ceremony in Houston and later at a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
3. Does Simone Biles have children?
Simone Biles has not publicly confirmed having children. She and her husband, Jonathan Owens, have discussed their hopes of starting a family in the future.
4. What is Simone Biles’ net worth in 2026?
Simone Biles’ net worth is estimated at approximately $25 million by some celebrity-finance publications. This figure is not independently verified, and her income comes from endorsements, sponsorships, gymnastics, appearances and other commercial projects.
5. How tall is Simone Biles?
Simone Biles is approximately 4 feet 8 inches (142 centimetres) tall. Her compact, powerful build helps her perform the explosive movements and difficult skills required in elite artistic gymnastics.
6. What is Simone Biles’ nationality?
Simone Biles is American. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, and has represented the United States at the Olympic Games and World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
7. What religion is Simone Biles?
Biographical accounts have identified Simone Biles and her family as Catholic. However, her current personal religious practice should not be assumed without a recent statement from her.
8. Where did Simone Biles go to school?
Simone Biles attended Benfer Elementary School in Texas before switching to homeschooling in 2012 to accommodate her gymnastics training. She completed high school in 2015 and later chose a professional gymnastics career rather than enrolling at UCLA.
9. How many Olympic medals has Simone Biles won?
Simone Biles has won 11 Olympic medals: seven gold, two silver and two bronze. She earned four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
10. Is Simone Biles the greatest gymnast of all time?
Simone Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time because of her Olympic and World Championship records, technical difficulty and longevity at the elite level. Her achievements include seven Olympic gold medals and numerous skills named after her.
11. Is Simone Biles competing in the 2028 Olympics?
As of October 2026, Simone Biles has not confirmed whether she will compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She has expressed interest in the possibility while considering the physical demands, family plans and personal commitments involved.
12. What is Simone Biles’ Instagram handle?
Simone Biles’ Instagram handle is @simonebiles. She shares gymnastics highlights, family moments, fashion, travel and updates about her personal and professional life.
13. Who are Simone Biles’ parents?
Simone Biles’ biological mother is Shanon Biles. Her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie Biles, adopted Simone and her younger sister, Adria, and raised them in Texas.
14. Why did Simone Biles withdraw from events at the Tokyo Olympics?
Simone Biles withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after experiencing the twisties, a condition that can disrupt a gymnast’s spatial awareness while performing aerial movements. She prioritized her safety and later returned to compete on the balance beam, winning bronze.
15. What is Simone Biles famous for?
Simone Biles is famous for her extraordinary gymnastics ability, seven Olympic gold medals, record-setting World Championship performances and innovative skills. She is also recognized for speaking openly about mental health and advocating for athlete safety.
16. What is Simone Biles doing now?
As of October 2026, Simone Biles is spending time away from regular competitive gymnastics, supporting her husband Jonathan Owens’ NFL career and participating in public and commercial activities. She is also considering whether a return for the 2028 Olympics would be right for her.
17. What is Simone Biles’ full name?
Simone Biles’ full name is Simone Arianne Biles. She is an American artistic gymnast born on March 14, 1997, and is internationally recognized for her Olympic achievements and influence on gymnastics.