GOAT of Gymnastics: Happy 29th Birthday to Simone Biles
Today, the world celebrates Simone Arianne Biles Owens, the most decorated gymnast in history and an unstoppable force of talent, resilience, and courage. Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone turns 29 in 2026, continuing to redefine excellence both in and out of the arena. With 11 Olympic medals (7 gold) and a record 30 World Championship medals (23 gold), she stands as the undisputed Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in her sport.
Biles’s journey began when she was adopted by her grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, at age six. Her natural talent emerged early at a gymnastics class, and by her teens, she was dominating the sport. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she became the first U.S. female gymnast to win four gold medals at a single Games (team, all-around, vault, and floor exercise). Despite the “twisties” mental health challenge that led her to withdraw from several events in Tokyo 2020, she still earned a silver and bronze. Her triumphant return at the 2024 Paris Olympics added three more golds (team, all-around, vault) and a silver on floor—cementing her legacy as a champion who prioritizes well-being.
Beyond medals, Simone revolutionized gymnastics with unparalleled difficulty. She is the first woman to land the Yurchenko double pike in competition and has multiple skills named after her in the Code of Points. In 2023, she claimed her eighth U.S. national all-around title, breaking a 90-year record. In 2025, she was named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, and she continues inspiring young athletes while advocating for mental health and athlete safety.
In 2026, Simone embraced new chapters. She attended the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics as a spectator alongside her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, cheering for Team USA figure skaters. The couple, married since 2023, recently relocated to Indianapolis after Jonathan signed with the Colts, and Simone has shared joyful glimpses of their life together, including travels and home updates.
Simone’s influence extends far beyond the mat. She has used her platform to speak openly about mental health, foster care, and representation. A Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient (2022), she balances elite athleticism with business ventures, fashion, and family time. At 29, she remains a beacon of strength, showing that true greatness includes vulnerability and self-care.
Happy 29th Birthday, Simone Biles! Thank you for the gravity-defying routines, the record-breaking performances, the brave advocacy, and the reminder that champions lift others while soaring. From Rio to Paris and beyond, your legacy flips the world upside down—in the best way. Here’s to more flips, more joy, and continued greatness on your terms. 🎉🏅✨
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