Olympic gymnast Simone Biles revealed she experienced a health scare this week, describing it as “almost dying” in a cryptic Instagram post, though details remain unclear. The 29-year-old, who has 41 medals, shared photos of hospital wristbands and thanked her “close circle” for support, but did not specify the nature of her condition. Representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Cryptic Instagram Post
Biles shared a series of Instagram Stories on Saturday, beginning with a photo of her right arm adorned with three medical bracelets. “I’m not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today’s age. But almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week,” she wrote, referencing the incident. The post, which included images of floral bouquets and a bed surrounded by two dogs, concluded with a screenshot of a heart-rate monitor. “This was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life,” she added, noting that her husband, Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens, was in Indianapolis for practice sessions at the time. Fox News reported the details, emphasizing the lack of specificity in her account.
Timing and Context
The incident occurred amid a busy period for Biles, who attended a St. Louis Cardinals game on May 29 and threw out the first pitch. Owens, a Colts safety, was in Indianapolis for team practices, a fact Biles highlighted as compounding the stress of the event. “I’ve been in bed resting this week,” she wrote, though she did not elaborate on the circumstances. The New York Times noted that Biles has previously spoken about her health struggles, including a 2024 breakdown during the Paris Olympics that led to her withdrawing from several events.
Medical Details and Reactions
While Biles did not disclose the exact nature of her condition, Yahoo Sports reported that she was hospitalized earlier in the week, though other outlets, including NBC News, described it as a “medical emergency” without confirming hospitalization. Representatives for Biles did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
Privacy and Public Scrutiny
Biles has long prioritized privacy, a stance she reiterated in her post. “I’m not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today’s age,” she wrote, a sentiment echoed in Fox News’s coverage. The incident has nonetheless drawn intense public and media attention, with fans and analysts speculating about its implications for her future in gymnastics. Biles, who has not ruled out competing in the 2028 Olympics, has faced scrutiny over her mental and physical health in recent years.
Broader Implications
Biles’ disclosure highlights the challenges elite athletes face in balancing public expectations with personal health. Her 2024 Olympic withdrawal due to mental health struggles sparked conversations about athlete well-being, and this latest incident may reignite those discussions. NBC News noted that Biles has undergone three plastic surgeries, though she did not link them to the current health scare. The lack of transparency has left many questions unanswered, with fans urging her to share more details “sooner or later.”
What Comes Next?
Biles has not indicated when she might provide further updates, but her focus remains on recovery. The couple’s home in Spring, Texas, and their history of navigating long-distance periods due to Owens’ NFL career, add context to the timing of the incident. As the As her team and supporters await clarity, the athlete’s priority remains her health, while the public waits for answers that could reshape the narrative surrounding her recent challenges.
