Simone Biles has spent years making history in gymnastics. The world knows her as the Olympic champion who delivered unbelievable routines, won multiple gold medals, and became one of the greatest athletes of all time. Fans saw the celebrations, the trophies, and the success, but they did not always see the personal battles that shaped her journey.Despite that fame and those accolades, Biles carried memories from her childhood that changed the way she looked at life. Even after becoming one of the most successful gymnasts in history, she admitted that one fear never fully left her. Through those difficult moments, NFL star Jonathan Owens became the person who stood beside her with love, care, and support.
Simone Biles revealed the fear that stayed with her despite Olympic success
Simone Biles reached a level of success that very few athletes ever experience. She became a seven-time Olympic medalist, won numerous world championships, and changed the sport of gymnastics forever. But becoming a global superstar did not completely remove the worries she had carried for years. During an appearance on UNINTERRUPTED’s “Kneading Dough” with Maverick Carter, Biles opened up about her relationship with money and shared a personal fear that surprised many fans.“I have a fear of going broke,” Biles said during the interview.For fans, hearing those words from one of the world’s most successful athletes was unexpected. But for Biles, that fear came from her past and the uncertainty she experienced before becoming famous.She explained that she has always been careful with money and does not spend carelessly, even after earning success through gymnastics and endorsement deals.“I never really swipe the [credit] card,” Biles said on Kneading Dough“I will only splurge if I earned it.” Her words showed that her approach to money was not about avoiding enjoyment. It was about remembering where she came from and making sure she protected everything she worked hard to build.The childhood struggles that shaped Simone Biles’ view of security. Long before Simone Biles became an Olympic champion, she experienced a childhood filled with challenges. When Biles was only three years old, she and her siblings entered foster care after their biological mother struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. Those early years were difficult, and the memories from that time stayed with her even after she found success.Speaking about her childhood during an interview with CNN, Biles explained why she feels connected to children facing similar struggles.“I actually was a foster kid, so I know some of those hardships that those kids go through,” Biles told CNN.The Olympic champion also remembered moments from her childhood when she and her siblings struggled with basic needs.“I just remember, like, us as kids being so hungry and then I just remember this cat that would get fed and not like, quite us,” Biles said during the CNN interview.That memory became one of the experiences that shaped her relationship with money and stability. Growing up without always knowing what would happen next made her appreciate security in a different way. After spending time in foster care, Biles and her sister Adria were adopted by their grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles. Their support gave her the foundation she needed to grow, and soon after, she discovered gymnastics.A simple school trip introduced her to the sport, and what started as curiosity turned into a historic career.
From an uncertain childhood to becoming gymnastics’ biggest star
Simone Biles’ journey from a tough childhood to Olympic greatness remains one of the most inspiring stories in sports.She went from a young girl looking for stability to a star who became a role model for millions around the world. Her talent was undeniable, but her journey was also built on determination and the support of the people around her. Even after achieving worldwide fame, Biles never forgot the struggles that shaped her. Her careful approach toward money reflected the lessons she learned early in life.Although she has earned millions through gymnastics and major endorsement deals, she has always maintained a grounded personality. For Simone Biles, success was never only about expensive things. It was about building a life where she felt safe and supported.
Jonathan Owens became the steady support she never had growing up
When Simone Biles met Jonathan Owens in 2020, she had already become a gymnastics world. She had Olympic medals, global fame, and financial success. But the fears shaped by her childhood did not simply disappear because her career took off. Owens never claimed he could erase those fears. Instead, he showed up in ways that mattered Whether it was making time to attend her biggest competitions, celebrating every milestone like it was his own, or remembering the smallest details about the things she loved, Owens consistently reminded Biles that she did not have to carry life’s weight by herself.One moment, however, stayed with Biles for a reason that had nothing to do with the price tag. Owens once surprised her with two luxury handbags, including a Prada and a Jacquemus bag. While many focused on the expensive gifts, Biles revealed that the gesture meant much more to her than the brands themselves.Sharing the surprise on Instagram, she wrote, “The fact that he saw my Twitter likes for this one makes my heart melt.”That simple sentence said everything. Owens hadn’t just bought her a gift. He had quietly noticed something she liked, remembered it, and turned it into a thoughtful surprise. For someone who has often spoken about being careful with money and carrying fears rooted in her childhood, it wasn’t the luxury that made the moment special.
Jonathan Owens stood beside Biles during one of the biggest moments of her career
Jonathan Owens has continued showing support for Biles throughout her biggest achievements. After she earned her place on her third Olympic team, Owens shared an emotional message on Instagram celebrating his wife. “No words can describe how proud of you i am, baby… i can’t wait to be able to watch you out there in Paris… Just sounds so surreal being able to say my wife is the best to EVER do it. How did i get so lucky 😌 I love you so much,” Owens wrote.Despite his own NFL responsibilities, Owens made sure he could be present for Biles during the Paris Olympics.Biles later told USA Today that the Chicago Bears allowed Owens time away from training camp so he could support her.“The Bears are actually granting him a couple of days off from training camp. So, he’ll be there, yes. For just a short, little time,” Biles told USA Today.For Biles, having Owens there represented more than just having her husband in the crowd. It showed that she had someone who understood the importance of those moments.
Simone Biles’ story is about more than medals
Simone Biles’ legacy will always be defined by her Olympic achievements, world championships, and record-breaking performances.But her story is also about overcoming difficult beginnings and building a life filled with love and support. Her admission about fearing going broke revealed a side of her that many fans never knew. Even after reaching the highest level of success, Biles continued carrying lessons from her past.She proved that greatness is not only about winning medals. Sometimes, genuine success is about overcoming the moments that once made you afraid and finding people who stand beside you through every step of the journey.
