Simone Biles’ Olympic victory has been overshadowed by backlash against her husband Jonathan Owens for ‘problematic’ behavior.
Simone Biles has officially secured her place as the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history with her husband proudly cheering her on every step of the way.
Simone Biles comment to her husband Jonathan Owens dated July 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jowens
Her latest triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. But let’s not forget the crucial support from her family, particularly her husband, NFL player, Jonathan Owens.
Owens, who was by Biles’ side in France, was over the moon about his wife’s stellar performance. He took to social media to celebrate her monumental win with a heartwarming tribute.
A photo of Simon Biles and her husband Jonathan Owens dated July 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jowens
Sharing a charming photo of the couple amid the vibrant Parisian streets, Owens couldn’t hide his pride. In the snapshot, he lovingly wears Biles’ gold medal around his neck as they bask in their shared joy.
His caption was pure adoration, “Witnessing history every time you step on the mat 😍🔥.” Owens continued to shower praise on his superstar wife, writing, “Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it.”
Biles responded with heartfelt gratitude, “Means the world you’re here” and added, “My whole heart. I love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️.” However, the couple’s celebration didn’t go unnoticed by netizens, who had mixed reactions.
Critics took to the comments, questioning Owens’ decision to wear Biles’ medal. One user remarked, “Why is he holding it like he won it?” Another chimed in, “Give the medal back bby, that’s not yours [sic].”
A fan comment dated July 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jowens
Some were particularly vocal, saying things like, “That’s Simone’s gold medal you’re holding, not yours, my guy. 😂😂” and “There’s something very unsettling about you wearing her medal. Seems off.”
One frustrated fan even demanded, “Give it back to her immediately 🥇.” Meanwhile, another user, puzzled by the situation, asked, “Is he being problematic on purpose? Serious question.”
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles | Source: Instagram/jowens
Owens isn’t new to facing the heat from fans. Back in December 2023, the NFL star landed in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after some controversial comments about his relationship with Biles during an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast.
When asked about how the two met, Owens revealed that despite Biles’ fame, he didn’t know who she was at the time. The pair had connected through the dating app Raya in 2020.
Jonathan Owens on “The Pivot” podcast | Source: YouTube/@thepivotpodcast
Things heated up when Owens was asked if he saw himself as “the catch” in their relationship. He cheekily responded, “I always say that the men are the catch.” Owens admitted he was initially hesitant to commit but eventually fell head over heels for Biles.
Jonathan Owens on “The Pivot” podcast | Source: YouTube/@thepivotpodcast
His comments sparked quite a backlash, with some fans taking issue with his remarks about the Olympic icon. Fast forward to April this year, Biles came to her husband’s defense during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
Simone Biles on “The Pivot” podcast | Source: YouTube/@thepivotpodcast
Addressing the viral moment, Biles revealed she was present during the interview, and when the camera zoomed in on her, she simply rolled her eyes and laughed.
She clarified that Owens never suggested she wasn’t a catch but was instead emphasizing his own worth. The Olympic icon even went as far as addressing critics on her X page. Biles praised her husband, stating that he adores her and that she’s never met anyone quite like him.
As for Owens, he brushed off the criticism with ease. He kept his social media notifications off and was unaware of the uproar until much later. When he did catch wind of it, he responded by posting a series of romantic photos with Biles and captioning them, “Unbothered 😂❤️ Just know we locked in over here 🤞🏽.”
Despite the mixed reactions, the love and support between Biles and Owens remain undeniable, showcasing a powerful partnership that continues to shine brightly.
Simone Biles’ Olympic triumph has sparked global celebration and buzz among fans. Yet, behind her victory lies a story of immense sacrifice and dedication. Biles discussed her personal growth and the transformative impact of going to therapy.
Hoda Kotb and Simone Biles on the “Today” show on January 31, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
She also opened up about the rigorous routine that fueled her success during an interview with Hoda Kotb on the podcast, “Making Space with Hoda Kotb.” In the podcast, host Hoda Kotb told Biles, “You don’t bury things anymore. You speak them out loud. You talk about therapy, where you are, where you’re going. Tell me about this part of you.”
Biles responded, highlighting her evolution, saying “I’ve always tried to stay authentic to myself, so I feel like the new me, I’m a little bit older, more mature, so just being unapologetically me.”
Hoda Kotb and Simone Biles on the “Today” show on January 31, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
She also discussed her struggles, including the “twisties,” a mental block that disrupts gymnasts’ spatial awareness. She explained how therapy has brought her a sense of freedom.
“I feel a lot more free, especially going to therapy and doing those sessions so that physically and mentally I feel better, and I know that’s an important part of my routine. So just staying on top of that, it lightens the load a lot,” she said.
Kotb asked about a tattoo on Biles’ shoulder that reads “And still I rise,” the title of a poem by the late author Maya Angelou. She wondered if the tattoo served as a mantra after the Tokyo Olympics.
Biles shared, “I wanted it to be a reminder, something that I can see in the mirror every single day, whenever I get dressed and stuff like that, so it’s been sticking and I kinda like it.”
The acclaimed gymnast emphasized that staying true to herself and being relatable to others is what matters most to her. Reflecting on her mental health journey, she highlighted how therapy has helped her confront her “demons.”
In the past, Biles used to push her trauma down. She said, “Now I’ve learned to speak on it and kind of release that. So that’s really helped me, and that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing today].”
She emphasized the importance of therapy. “I think we used to think of therapy as a weakness, and now I think of it as a strength. And if there’s somebody that can help me deal with what I’m going through, then that’s what I need to do. And now it’s a daily part of my routine,” she explained.
Simone Biles in the Women’s Balance Beam Final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on August 3, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond her focus on therapy, Biles has also reached significant personal milestones. Besides being happily married to Owens, she is also a homeowner, marking another chapter of fulfillment in her life.