Simone Biles isn’t ready to get back in the gym yet. The Olympic gold medallist is the most decorated gymnast of all time and undoubtedly one of the most dominant and greatest athletes to ever grace sports, but these days, she’s taking time for herself. After competing for 22 years, Biles is on a “break” from gymnastics. Now, she’s focusing on hobbies like horseback riding, ice skating, pilates and long walks with her husband, Chicago Bears safety, Jonathan Owens. On NFL game day, you can find her on the field giving Owens a good luck kiss (his one pre-game superstition) and showing out in various football-appropriate ‘fits.
Lately, football Sunday has turned into a who’s who of WAGs (wives and girlfriends) — celebs like Ciara, Hailee Steinfeld, Taylor Swift, and Normani are all partnered up with players — and their fashion makes weekly headlines. For Biles, game days are “so fun” but over Zoom, she says the attention is stressful: “I wish we didn’t have to walk the runway so much. I’m just there supporting my man.” It’s a good thing Biles has her own collection with Athleta to keep her looking good on game days. She even teased a custom Athleta look for the Bears’ upcoming faceoff against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend.
Biles and Athleta have been partnering for years but this marks the Olympian’s second women’s and girls’ collection for the activewear brand. Like her last Athleta collab, the collection is affordable, size inclusive, and includes intergenerational styles as well as accessories. Whether you’re looking for soft hoodies, performance-ready tights (Biles told R29 that the Elation Ultra High Rise Shine 7/8 Legging is one of her all-time favorites), barrel-leg sweats, or a new fall jacket (the Sateen Bomber is another Biles must-have), Biles has you covered with pieces that are deserving of a game-day catwalk.
Throughout our chat, Biles’ excitement for the collection is palpable but so is her joy for this current moment in her life. She’s letting herself be bad at things (“I’m learning every day!” she says) and she’s soaking in a softer, more “selfish” life. To put it simply, Biles seems free. It’s beautiful to behold, and even more inspiring that the woman who landed the hardest vault in the world so flawlessly that they renamed it after her is now happily losing at darts to her friends. After all of Biles’ public mental health struggles, the normal, quiet contentment she describes to me feels like her biggest win yet.
Here, she talks more about her Athleta collection, how she really feels about being called a “WAG”, and supporting her friend and former teammate Jordan Chiles on Dancing With The Stars. Refinery29 Unbothered: Congrats on the collection! The pieces look so comfortable and chic. Tell me about this collection and how it aligns with how you approach working out.
Simone Biles: It’s very different. It’s the boldest collection that we’ve had thus far. I’m obviously biased, but this is one of my favorite collections. We have followed some of the trends but really, I always say, that you can take it from the mat to conferences or whatever it is. It doesn’t have to be just for the gym. It’s my go-to travel style, as well as if I’m taking a pilates class with my husband.
Simone Biles—the name alone evokes images of gravity-defying flips, world titles, and Olympic gold. But lately, the legendary gymnast has been exploring something entirely new: the world beyond the mat. From gliding on ice skates to designing empowering athletic wear with Athleta, Simone is rewriting her own narrative with confidence, balance, and authenticity.
In her own words: “I don’t just have to be a gymnast.” And this next phase of her life proves just that.
The Evolution of Simone Biles: More Than a Gymnast
Simone Biles has always been more than her medals. After years of dominating gymnastics, she’s shifting gears to embrace life outside the gym—exploring creativity, self-expression, and yes, a little bit of sparkle on ice.
Her recent ventures showcase a new chapter of freedom—one that celebrates who she is as a woman, athlete, and icon.
From Gold Medals to Ice Blades: Simone’s Surprising New Passion
Who would’ve thought we’d see Simone Biles on ice skates? Yet, that’s exactly what’s happening. The Olympic champion recently shared clips of her ice-skating adventures, balancing elegance with athletic precision.
It’s not about competition anymore—it’s about joy. Simone’s foray into skating isn’t about medals but about rediscovering playfulness, movement, and fun outside of gymnastics.
Why Simone Biles Loves Ice Skating
Ice skating offers Simone something gymnastics never could: freedom without pressure. She’s enjoying the art of motion—without scores, judges, or expectations. It’s her reminder that sport can be fun again.
She’s also proving that greatness doesn’t belong to a single arena. Whether it’s a balance beam or a frozen rink, Simone continues to shine.
Embracing the WAG Life: A New Role for Simone
In 2023, Simone married NFL star Jonathan Owens, embracing what fans affectionately call the “WAG life” (Wife and Girlfriend of athletes). But in true Simone fashion, she’s redefining what that label means.
Rather than stepping back, she’s balancing marriage and personal growth while continuing to inspire millions. Simone shows that partnership doesn’t mean losing individuality—it means evolving together.
Behind the Scenes: How Simone Balances Marriage, Career, and Self-Care
Simone has spoken candidly about finding balance in her new life. After years of intense discipline, she’s learned to prioritize rest, mental health, and connection.
Her mantra? “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Now, she’s all about filling her days with what brings her joy—whether that’s family time, travel, or exploring her creative passions.
The Athleta Partnership: Fashion Meets Empowerment
Simone’s collaboration with Athleta isn’t just another celebrity-brand deal—it’s a mission-driven partnership that aligns perfectly with her values.
She’s designing collections for real women: strong, active, and beautifully human. Each piece from the Simone Biles x Athleta Collection combines comfort, functionality, and style.
Inside the New Athleta Collection
Simone’s latest Athleta line captures her spirit of strength and grace. The collection includes sleek workout sets, cozy loungewear, and bold statement pieces made for movement.
Think buttery-soft fabrics, empowering color palettes, and versatile designs that celebrate every body—not just athletic ones.
