Houston’s Olympic gymnastic G.O.A.T. Simone Biles finally answered a question — mostly — that has followed her since her run in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: will she compete in the 2024 Games in Paris?
Appearing on the Today Show early Thursday, September 7, Biles had good news for fans when effervescent Today host Hoda Kotb asked which way to hypothetically bet $5 in Vegas — yea or nay — on a Biles’ return.
“Right now I would say that’s the path I would love to go,” she told an excited Kotb. “So I wouldn’t mind if you put it in the yea section.”
Cue Kotb’s applause, with co-host Craig Melvin declaring, “She’s going to Paris!”
The applause is understandable for anyone who has supported Biles since July 2021, where she competed in Tokyo and soon became the center of global scrutiny. During her tumultuous run, she famously made the controversial decision to back out of competition after a case of the “twisties” — described as Biles simply losing her positioning and whereabouts whilst in midair.
Lauded by millions for choosing her mental health over obligation, she was also lambasted by critics for what they described as simply quitting. But, by becoming a lighting rod, Biles initiated an important worldwide discussion on mental health — especially for high-performing athletes and celebrities.
Now, she’s making changes. “I think I have to take care of myself a little bit more and listen to my body and making sure that I’m making time for the important things in life,” Biles told Kotb from her gym in Spring. “Before it was just like ‘go, go, go’ and then making time after.”
“This time around it’s being intentional, going to therapy, making sure everything is aligned so that I can do my best in the gym, be a good wife, good daughter, good friend, all the good things,” she added.
A more well-rounded Biles means she’s focusing on holistic health. That was evident when she won a recohttps://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/houston-power-couples-alex-bregman-reagan-bregman-bun-b-queenie-simone-biles-jonathan-owen-1/rd eighth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in San Jose, California in August. The win, plus her new attitude, mean a whole new approach to the beam.
“Everything that we’re doing leading up to this next Games or whatever is very intentional. We’ve kind of been playing it on the down low this time making sure mentally and physically are both intact,” Biles said.
“I think it’ll be different, but it’ll be good,” she added with her trademark smile.
Another topic that sparked her million-dollar smile is her husband Jonathan Owens, who, after a courthouse Houston wedding and destination Cabo affair, signed with the Green Bay Packers after a stint with a Houston Texans safety. Owens playing across the county has made things challenging for the newlyweds.
“Unfortunately, we’re actually long distance, and we started long distance less than a week while we were married. Right after Cabo he went to Green Bay,” Biles told Kotb. (The couple spent a few days in Houston last weekend.)
“It’s been different, but at least we’re both busy and focusing on our respective sports. It’s been nice and we cherish the moments that we get together. So he’s doing great out in Green Bay. He has his first game against Chicago this week,” the proud wife announced.
Kotb also touched on Biles’ collaboration with athletic/athleisure clothing brand Athleta Girl. The name of the line seems to perfectly sum up Biles, who continues to overcome and win despite any obstacle: “Because I Can.”
