Simone Biles’ return to the Olympic stage in 2024 wasn’t just about winning again—it was about redefining herself as a person and partner. The gymnastics icon, who won three golds and one silver in Paris, has been inspiring fans on and off the mat for years. Now, her Netflix documentary Simone Biles Rising gives us a behind the scenes look at how she balances fame, love and life with husband Jonathan Owens.
A Peek into Their Love Story
In one of the most emotional parts of the docuseries, Simone talks about why she decided to feature her marriage to Jonathan Owens, a Chicago Bears safety. While the couple is known for being each other’s biggest cheerleaders, this was the first time they’ve been in the spotlight together.
“Everyone’s seen me grow up, but they haven’t seen me and my husband interact,” Simone says in an interview in the series. For her, sharing this part of her life wasn’t just about being transparent—it was about showing what makes her whole outside of gymnastics.
But it wasn’t just Simone’s call. According to the documentary, Jonathan had a big say in how their relationship would be portrayed. This is a big deal because it shows how important mutual respect and communication is in their partnership.
Jonathan’s Commitment: A True Partner in Every Sense
Jonathan Owens has been more than just a supportive husband; he’s been Simone’s rock throughout her comeback. In Paris, he took time off from his own NFL training to come to the Olympics and sit courtside. Fans couldn’t help but notice him wearing a “Simone Biles” t-shirt while taking notes in a notebook—a small but sweet gesture that showed his love and commitment.
For Simone, having Jonathan by her side meant everything. “It’s not easy balancing our careers and personal lives, especially when we’re both in the public eye,” she said. But they’re able to do it, and that’s a testament to their relationship.
Success Beyond Sports
Simone, including her marriage in the documentary, is more than just sharing her personal life—it’s a statement about redefining success. She said, “It’s really important for kids to see that there’s life after gymnastics and sports.”
Her message is so relevant today, where young athletes feel like they have to put their sport above everything. By showing her life with Jonathan, Simone is telling kids that greatness doesn’t have to come at the expense of love or happiness. It can coexist.
Facing Challenges Together
Simone and Jonathan aren’t immune to criticism. Online trolls and the complexities of fame, they’ve seen it all. But through it all they’ve stuck together, because teamwork isn’t just for the gym or the field, it’s for relationships too.
Their story is a reminder that behind every champion is someone cheering them on. And in Simone’s case, Jonathan has been that person cheering her on the whole time.