Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens truly seem like the perfect couple, completely made for each other. They’ve been through everything together: the highs of victories, the lows of defeats, tears, and laughs. But even though they share so much, there was a time when Biles had a hard time opening up to Owens, especially during one of the toughest moments of her career. Remember the Tokyo Olympics, when Biles had to withdraw from several events because of the “twisties,” a mental block that affected her air awareness? That was a tough moment for her, and the football safety wasn’t there for her because COVID-19 restrictions meant families couldn’t be present in person! But when did their relationship start?

It was actually in August 2020, just as the Tokyo Olympics were postponed because of the pandemic, when the gymnast and the NFL star met. That was the start of their relationship, and little did they know the following year would put their bond to the test. As Biles struggled with the twisties, she decided to pull out of the 2021 competition. During this time, Simone admitted that she kept her feelings hidden from Owens. She didn’t want him to see her at her weakest after everything he had done for her in their first year of dating. So, she bottled up her emotions, only allowing herself to cry in private when he wasn’t around.

Over time, she opened up more about the mental health challenges she faced during those Games. She shared that she kept all her Tokyo memorabilia—her leotards, medals, and other items hidden in a “forbidden Olympics closet” in their home in Texas. The guest room, which rarely got used, became the place where she stored everything from that painful period. Sometimes, when Jonathan wasn’t home, she would go in there, pull out the items, and weep in private. She didn’t want him to see her in such a vulnerable state, especially after all the love and support he had shown her. She even said, “I never wanted to see him see me at my weakest point.”

Despite the uncertainty around her future in gymnastics after Tokyo, Simone Biles shut down any doubts about her career at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She came back stronger than ever, winning four medals, three of them gold. Through it all, Owens has been her rock, standing by her side and supporting her both in moments of success and in her toughest times. But will Owens be there for her again to support her in the next Olympics?

Is Simone Biles about to walk away from gymnastics forever?

Simone Biles is seriously thinking about stepping away from Olympic gymnastics while she’s at the top of her game. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, where she was named 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, Biles, 27, said returning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics feels like “life and death.” She reflected on how much she’s already accomplished, saying, “Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do rather than to just be snobby and try again and for what?”

Biles also acknowledged that she’s “humble enough to know when to be done.” Though she hasn’t made a firm decision, she added that going back for another Olympics might feel “greedy” given the personal sacrifices involved, like being away from her husband, Jonathan Owens. “What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?” Reflecting on her legacy, Biles admitted, “I don’t think the reality has set in of what I’ve exactly done in the sport… For me, it’s normal.”

Biles also hinted at retirement in her Simone Biles Rising Netflix docuseries, saying that if she had to process it, it would be “bittersweet.” After competing in Paris, she felt a sense of “relief,” wondering, “What happens in life now?” Despite her success, Biles is still figuring out what comes next. While we’d love to see her back for LA-28, maybe with Jonathan Owens and their future kid cheering her on, we’ll have to wait and see what she decides.