The last time Simone Biles wowed the world was 556 days ago at the Paris Olympics. Since then, fans have been counting the days for her return. But Biles is happily taking her time, soaking up life with her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens. Meanwhile, her biggest rival isn’t wasting a second in stealing the spotlight where it counts – the Winter Olympics!
After winning six Olympic medals, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade was recently named one of ten internationally recognized figures selected by the IOC and the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 to participate in the Opening Ceremony. The event takes place on February 6 at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy.
“It is an enormous honor and pride to receive this invitation from the IOC to be part of the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Games. It is a privilege to participate in this event, to be alongside athletes from all over the world, to carry the Olympic Flag, to represent Brazil once again in such a special moment for all athletes and sports lovers,” said Rebeca. “This will be a very different experience for me,” Rebeca added. “I never thought that, even for a few days, I could be seeing an edition of the Winter Olympic Games up close. I am very happy and honored by the opportunity.”
But Simone Biles, despite her 41 major international medals, hasn’t had the same kind of global ceremonial spotlight as Andrade. Sure, Biles was chosen as the flag bearer for the United States at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics and even participated in the flag hand-off segment at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony. But unlike Rebeca, Biles’ role was tied to her national team, not the broader international Olympic flag.
Joining Rebeca in Milan will be Tadatoshi Akiba, Maryam Bukar Hassan, Nicolo Govoni, Filippo Grandi, Eliud Kipchoge, Cindy Ngamba, and Pita Taufatofua, while Franco Nones and Martina Valcepina will participate in Cortina. Interestingly, no American athletes are part of this group, and even among gymnasts, Rebeca is the only one representing both her sport and her country on the international stage (no other Brazilian athlete is part of it).
When Legends Never Really Step Off the Stage
Some athletes retire quietly. Others fade into highlight reels and history books. And then there’s Simone Biles—a once-in-a-generation icon who somehow keeps rewriting what influence looks like, even when she’s not competing.
As the world turns its eyes toward the Milano Winter Olympics, Biles is making headlines again. Not for a vault. Not for a floor routine. But for something arguably just as powerful: showing up for her country, standing beside her husband Jonathan Owens, and proving that leadership doesn’t require a leotard or a scorecard.
So what’s really going on? And why is everyone talking about Simone Biles at a Winter Games she isn’t competing in?
Let’s break it down.
Simone Biles and the Milano Olympics—A Different Kind of Gold Moment
Simone Biles isn’t competing in Milano—but make no mistake, she’s present. And presence matters.
In a world where Olympic narratives are often defined by medals, Biles is redefining the script. Her role at the Milano Olympics is symbolic, cultural, and deeply human. She’s there as a global ambassador, a support system, and a reminder of American excellence—on and off the field.
Sometimes, filling in for your country doesn’t mean performing. It means representing.
Why Simone Biles Still Commands the Olympic Spotlight
Even without competition, Simone Biles remains one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. Why?
Because her legacy extends far beyond gymnastics.
More Than Medals—A Cultural Icon
Biles isn’t just decorated; she’s transformative. She changed:
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How athletes talk about mental health
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How fans define greatness
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How young athletes see their own limits
That kind of impact doesn’t end when the competition does.
The Power of Presence at Global Events
At the Olympics, visibility equals influence. Simone’s presence at Milano sends a message:
You don’t stop mattering when you stop competing.
And that message resonates worldwide.
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles—A Power Couple on the World Stage
Let’s talk about Jonathan Owens, because this story isn’t just about Simone.
Owens, a professional football player, has become a familiar face alongside Biles at major events. Together, they represent something refreshingly modern: mutual support, shared ambition, and balance.
Love, Support, and Olympic Energy
Whether it’s Jonathan cheering Simone from the stands or Simone returning the favor, their dynamic flips the outdated narrative of who supports whom.
They show up together. Always.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of Them
Because it feels real.
No forced branding. No performative appearances. Just two driven people backing each other—on the biggest stages possible.
Filling In for the Country—What That Actually Means
The phrase “fills in for her country” isn’t about replacing athletes. It’s about representation.
Ambassadorial Roles at the Olympics
Olympic hosts and committees often invite legendary athletes to:
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Represent national pride
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Engage with international media
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Support Team USA morale
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Connect past excellence with future dreams
Simone Biles fits that role better than almost anyone.
Why Her Voice Still Carries Weight
When Simone speaks, people listen. Athletes listen. Fans listen. Even critics pause.
That’s not coincidence. That’s earned authority.
Milano Olympics—A Global Stage for Symbolic Leadership
The Milano Olympics aren’t just about winter sports. They’re about storytelling.
Italy, Innovation, and the New Olympic Era
Milano represents modern Europe—fashion, design, culture, and reinvention. Simone Biles appearing here feels intentional.
She embodies:
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Reinvention after adversity
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Strength with vulnerability
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Excellence without apology
That aligns perfectly with the Games’ evolving identity.
Simone Biles Without Competition—Why It Still Works
Some critics ask: Why spotlight a gymnast at a Winter Olympics?
The answer is simple: Olympics are bigger than seasons or sports.
Legacy Transcends Discipline
Michael Phelps doesn’t stop being relevant outside the pool. Usain Bolt didn’t vanish after sprinting.
Simone Biles belongs in that category—timeless relevance.
Inspiration Has No Off-Season
Young athletes watching Milano aren’t just learning technique. They’re learning values. And Simone’s values are crystal clear.
The Mental Health Pioneer Effect
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room.
Simone Biles changed the Olympic conversation forever when she prioritized her mental health on the world’s biggest stage.
Why That Still Matters in Milano
Every athlete competing today benefits from that moment. The pressure is still intense—but the silence is gone.
Her presence at Milano quietly reinforces a powerful truth:
You are more than your performance.
Media Attention and the Simone Effect
Where Simone goes, cameras follow.
Social Media, Headlines, and Viral Impact
From candid moments with Jonathan Owens to interactions with athletes, Simone’s Milano appearances dominate timelines.
And that’s not accidental—it’s influence.
Why Brands and Broadcasters Love Her
Because she connects. Authentically. Instantly. Globally.
A New Role Model for Retired (But Not Really) Athletes
Simone Biles is carving out a blueprint.
Life After Competition Doesn’t Mean Disappearing
She’s proving athletes can:
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Step back without stepping away
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Support without overshadowing
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Lead without dominating
That balance is rare—and powerful.
What This Means for Team USA
Having Simone Biles visible at Milano strengthens Team USA’s presence.
Morale, Motivation, and National Pride
You don’t need to wear a uniform to lift spirits. Sometimes, seeing someone who’s “been there” makes all the difference.
The Bigger Picture—Olympics as Human Stories
At its core, the Olympics aren’t just competitions. They’re human narratives.
Simone Biles understands that better than most.
She’s lived the highs, survived the pressure, and emerged with perspective. That’s why her presence matters—now more than ever.
Conclusion: Simone Biles Proves Greatness Evolves
Simone Biles doesn’t need a podium to command respect. At the Milano Olympics, she’s reminding the world that greatness evolves.
Sometimes it’s loud. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s standing beside the person you love while representing millions back home.
And somehow, without competing, she’s still winning.