As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, gymnastics fans are eagerly anticipating another spectacular performance from Simone Biles, the gymnastics legend who has already secured her place in history with numerous gold medals. Biles, who has been a dominant force in gymnastics for years, recently added to her legacy by leading the U.S. women’s gymnastics team to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics on July 31, 2024. This latest victory has solidified her status as the most decorated American gymnast, further etching her name into Olympic history.
However, amid the celebration of Biles’ incredible achievements, her husband, Jonathan Owens, found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, took to Instagram to express his pride in his wife’s historic accomplishment. In his post, he shared a photo of himself wearing one of Biles’ gold medals at a party, with the caption, “Witnessing history every time you step on the mat. Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it.” Biles responded lovingly, expressing how much it meant to her to have Owens by her side, saying, “Means the world you’re here… My whole heart. I love you.”
Despite the warmth of their exchange, Owens’ post sparked a debate online. Some commenters criticized him for wearing Biles’ medal, arguing that it was inappropriate for him to do so. One commenter wrote, “Where is your PR team? Take her medal off of your neck! You didn’t win that.” Another added, “There’s something very unsettling about you wearing her medal. Seems off. Give it back to her immediately.” These comments reflect the intense scrutiny that both Biles and Owens face in the public eye, especially as their relationship continues to be a topic of interest.
However, many fans rushed to defend Owens, pointing out that Biles herself has always spoken highly of her husband and urged critics to respect their relationship. One supporter commented, “Y’all. Stop. Simone has very clearly stated this treatment of her man upsets her! We love her and we HONOR PEOPLE WE LOVE!! We honor their requests and their hearts.”
This incident is not the first time Jonathan Owens has been the subject of public criticism. Back in December 2023, Owens made headlines for comments he made on “The Pivot” podcast, where he mentioned that he didn’t know Biles was a famous athlete when they first met online. He also described himself as the “catch” in their relationship, which some interpreted as a slight against Biles. However, Biles was quick to defend her husband, stating that his comments were misunderstood and emphasizing that he is indeed a catch. She expressed her frustration with the negative comments, saying, “He never said I wasn’t a catch. He said he was a catch. Because he is! I’ve never met a man like him.”
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens’ love story began in August 2020 when they met on the dating app Raya. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they announced their engagement in February 2022. The couple tied the knot on April 22, 2023, with a ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, marking the beginning of their life together as husband and wife. Despite the public scrutiny, Biles continues to stand by her husband, highlighting his supportive nature and the strength of their relationship.
As the world watches Biles continue to make history at the 2024 Olympics in gymnastics, it’s clear that her partnership with Owens is an integral part of her journey. While the focus remains on her incredible athletic accomplishments and her pursuit of more gold medals, the couple’s relationship continues to be a source of inspiration and fascination for fans around the globe.
