Simone Biles has maintained a “long-distance” relationship with her husband for more than a year.
The 27-year-old gymnast – who made a grand return to the Olympics in the summer of 2024 after almost a decade away – tied the knot with professional football safety Jonathan Owens, 29, in April 2023 but admitted that they have hardly seen each other since then because of her hectic career. This situation reflects a growing trend among elite athletes who navigate the complexities of maintaining relationships while competing at the highest levels.
“Honestly, since my husband and I got married we’ve been doing long-distance,” she told E! News. “After the Olympics and my tour, I would say the highlight has been spending quality time with him for the first time in the longest time since we’ve been married. Just cherishing those times, moving into our house in Chicago, and making it our home.” Studies show that approximately 3.5 million married couples in the United States maintain long-distance relationships due to career commitments.
The sports star – who is the most decorated gymnast in history with a total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals – was then asked what her hopes are for next year and she admitted that she just wants to spend it “giving back” and helping others as much as she can. Her commitment to community service aligns with a broader trend of athletes using their platform for social impact.
“Besides relaxing and going on a couple of vacations with my husband, I really just trying to be involved in the community as much as I can as well as giving back,” she said. Biles has consistently demonstrated her dedication to philanthropic work throughout her career, supporting various youth sports initiatives and mental health awareness programs.
In August, Simone revealed that she and her NFL star husband “always talk about kids”, they both have their own goals to focus on before settling down in that way. This approach mirrors the changing dynamics of modern couples who prioritize career achievements alongside family planning.
“Yes, me and Jonathan always talk about kids, and he would have had them yesterday if he could have,” she told ‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb. “Obviously we both have goals that we want to achieve before we start a family. But, yes, that’s definitely in our future.” Research indicates that professional athletes often delay starting families until after their peak competitive years.
The couple’s story represents the modern reality of dual-career relationships, particularly in professional sports. With Biles based primarily in Texas for training and Owens playing for the Green Bay Packers, their situation highlights the sacrifices often required in pursuit of athletic excellence.
Their relationship has garnered significant public interest since they began dating in 2020, with social media followers closely monitoring their journey through the pandemic, engagement, and eventual marriage. The couple’s openness about their challenges has resonated with many young professionals facing similar circumstances.
Biles‘ continued success in gymnastics, including her historic comeback at the 2024 Olympics, demonstrates her ability to balance personal life with professional achievements. Her return to competition after taking time off for mental health awareness has inspired athletes worldwide and sparked important conversations about wellness in sports.
The gymnast’s approach to marriage and career reflects broader societal shifts in how couples navigate long-distance relationships. Technology has played a crucial role in helping them maintain their connection, with regular video calls and digital communication bridging the physical distance between them.
As both athletes continue to excel in their respective sports, their story serves as an example of modern marriage dynamics in professional athletics. Their commitment to both their careers and relationship challenges traditional expectations while setting new standards for athletic couples.
Their experience also highlights the evolution of professional sports, where athletes increasingly prioritize personal well-being and relationship satisfaction alongside competitive success. This balanced approach has become more common as sports organizations recognize the importance of supporting athletes’ personal lives.
