After stepping out rocking a custom outfit while supporting her husband, Jonathan Owens, at his Bears vs. Lions football game on Sunday, September 14, Biles posted photos from the fun day, playfully referring to herself as “Mrs. 36”. However, some fans noticed a dent her her upper arm more than her dazzling look. “So what did they say the dent was?” asked one fan, to which the athlete replied, “Muscle atrophy, but it’s fine! Just from trauma [laughing-crying emoji]. I hit it on a doorknob WEEEEEKS ago. Wild that it just now showed up!”
Biles first drew attention to the strange medical phenomenon three weeks earlier in a travel vlog on TikTok during a visit to Australia. “A mysterious dent showed up in my arm recently, so stay tuned for updates after I visit the doctors.” Fans were surprised to hear the true culprit behind the noticeable indent. “Out of everything you’ve put your body through, a doorknob tried to take you out lol!!,” said one fan, adding, “good to hear that everything is OK.” Meanwhile, another joked, “short girl problems!”
Biles has made it clear that she takes her physical and mental health very seriously, and always takes precautions to make sure she’s doing right by her body. In July 2021, she opted to sit out a portion of a competition after wavering on one of her vault routines.
A Story That Shocked Fans
When it comes to gymnastics, Simone Biles is a name that needs no introduction. Known as the “GOAT” of gymnastics, her strength, resilience, and dominance on the mat have inspired millions worldwide. Yet, beyond the gold medals and flawless routines, Simone Biles recently opened up about something deeply personal—a mysterious dent on her body that puzzled not only her but also her fans. After much speculation, she finally revealed the unexpected medical diagnosis behind it.
This revelation left fans stunned, sparking conversations about body image, hidden health issues, and how even world-class athletes face challenges that often go unnoticed.
Who Is Simone Biles?
Before diving into her diagnosis, it’s important to remember who Simone Biles is and why her story matters so much.
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She’s a 7-time Olympic medalist.
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She’s a 25-time World Championship medalist.
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She’s one of the most recognized and decorated athletes in history.
Yet, despite her superhuman abilities, she remains human—vulnerable to the same health struggles as the rest of us.
The First Time Fans Noticed the Dent
It all started when sharp-eyed fans noticed a dent-like mark on Simone’s shoulder and rib area during competition photos. Social media buzzed with speculation:
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Was it an injury?
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A side effect of intense training?
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Something more serious?
For weeks, fans debated, with some suggesting everything from muscle tears to genetic conditions.
Simone Biles Breaks Her Silence
Finally, Simone Biles addressed the chatter head-on. In a candid reveal, she admitted that she too was initially confused and concerned about the unusual dent. She explained that after undergoing medical evaluation, doctors gave her a diagnosis that shocked her just as much as her fans.
The Unexpected Diagnosis
So, what was it? Doctors revealed that Simone’s dent was caused by a muscle condition linked to long-term physical strain. Essentially, years of extreme training and repetitive movements had left her body with noticeable muscle atrophy in certain areas.
This type of condition is more common than people think—but because Simone is an elite athlete, the contrast was much more visible.
How Does Muscle Atrophy Happen?
To understand Simone’s situation, let’s break it down:
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Repetitive strain: Constant high-impact movements can wear down muscle tissue.
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Injury recovery: Even minor injuries can cause muscles to weaken or shrink.
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Overtraining: Ironically, too much training without balance can trigger muscle imbalance.
For Simone, it wasn’t about neglect—it was about the extreme demands of gymnastics at the highest level.
Fans React With Shock and Support
When Simone revealed her diagnosis, fans flooded social media with messages of love and encouragement. Instead of criticism, there was an outpouring of support. Many admired her for being honest and vulnerable about something so personal.
Why This Matters Beyond Gymnastics
Simone’s story is bigger than sports. It shines a spotlight on:
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The pressure athletes face to maintain “perfect” bodies.
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How hidden health struggles often go unnoticed.
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The importance of normalizing conversations about medical conditions.
Her openness encourages others to embrace their imperfections and prioritize health over appearance.
Simone Biles: More Than an Athlete
This incident only proves that Simone is more than the medals she’s earned. She’s a role model for resilience, honesty, and self-acceptance. Sharing her diagnosis didn’t make her weaker—it made her more relatable and human.
The Science Behind Body Dents
Many people don’t realize that dents or visible marks on the body often stem from:
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Past injuries
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Muscle or fat loss
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Nerve-related conditions
While most dents are harmless, they can sometimes signal underlying health concerns—something Simone bravely addressed by seeking medical answers.
What We Can Learn From Simone’s Experience
Her story teaches us three key lessons:
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Don’t ignore changes in your body. Even small dents or marks can have explanations worth checking out.
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Athletes are not invincible. Behind the spotlight, they face physical and emotional struggles like everyone else.
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Vulnerability is powerful. Speaking openly about health battles helps break stigma.
The Mental Side of the Journey
Beyond the physical, Simone admitted the mental impact of noticing something unusual on her body. The uncertainty caused stress and anxiety. This highlights an often-overlooked truth: health issues affect the mind just as much as the body.
Simone’s Ongoing Journey
Today, Simone continues to compete and dominate, proving that a diagnosis doesn’t define her. With proper medical guidance and self-care, she’s managing her condition while inspiring others to take control of their health.
The Role of Social Media in Her Reveal
Without social media, the dent might have gone unnoticed. But platforms like Twitter and Instagram amplified the conversation. Rather than shy away, Simone used the moment to educate and empower—a true sign of her leadership beyond the sport.
Breaking the Stigma Around Body Changes
For years, society has placed unrealistic expectations on athletes to look “perfect.” Simone’s openness helps break that stigma. She’s showing the world that strength isn’t about flawless bodies—it’s about perseverance and honesty.
Conclusion: Simone’s Courageous Transparency
Simone Biles’ revelation about the unexpected diagnosis behind her mysterious body dent is more than just a medical update—it’s a statement of courage. By speaking up, she turned a wave of speculation into a powerful lesson on resilience, vulnerability, and self-awareness.
Her story reminds us that even the strongest among us face challenges—and that being open about them can inspire millions.
FAQs
Q1: What caused Simone Biles’ body dent?
It was diagnosed as muscle atrophy linked to years of extreme physical training.
Q2: Is the condition dangerous?
In Simone’s case, it’s not life-threatening, but it requires ongoing management and awareness.
Q3: Did Simone Biles stop competing because of this?
No. She continues to compete while managing her condition under medical supervision.
Q4: Can muscle dents happen to non-athletes?
Yes. Muscle atrophy and dents can happen to anyone due to injury, illness, or even lack of activity.
Q5: What’s the main takeaway from Simone’s story?
To pay attention to your body, seek medical advice when something feels off, and remember that vulnerability is a form of strength.
