Gymnast Simone Biles defends husband Jonathan Owens after relationship comment sparks backlash

The seven-time Olympics medalist is one of most decorated gymnasts of all time.

Simone Biles recently addressed the backlash her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, faced after a 2023 interview. During the interview, Owens jokingly referred to himself as "the catch" in their relationship, leading some fans to criticise him and their marriage.

Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Biles clarified that her husband never meant to diminish her and that his comments were taken out of context. She found the initial reaction amusing but was eventually hurt by the negativity directed towards Owens.

Biles emphasised that Owens is a kind and supportive partner. She noted that negative comments about her husband feel particularly hurtful.

At the tender age of 16, she stormed onto the world stage, clinching two gold medals at the Antwerp Championship – including the prestigious all-around title. It was here that she unleashed a move that would forever change the sport: the Biles, a breathtaking double layout with a half twist that now bears her name.

By 2014, with four World Championships golds under her belt, she was an unstoppable force. Another four golds followed in 2015, solidifying her dominance as she approached her Olympic debut at Rio 2016. Biles shattered expectations, claiming gold in the all-around, team, vault, and floor exercises, with a bronze on the balance beam to round out her historic performance.

She has won more than 20 Olympic medals including seven gold medallions.

The couple married in April 2023 and has faced challenges navigating a long-distance relationship due to Owens' NFL career, which recently brought him to the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, Biles continues to train with a potential return to the Olympics in Paris on the horizon.