For years, the Olympic stage has been synonymous with one name: Simone Biles. The American gymnastics icon has dazzled millions with gravity-defying routines, unmatched athleticism, and a collection of medals that reads like a record book.

But during the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Biles is embracing a completely different role—spectator.

Instead of chalking up her hands and stepping onto the mat, she’s sitting in the stands, cheering alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens. And according to Biles, the experience has been nothing short of magical.

Let’s dive into how this Olympic legend is savoring the Games from a brand-new perspective—and why these moments mean so much.

From Olympic Superstar to Olympic Fan

A Rare Change of Perspective

For most of her life, Simone Biles has known the Olympics from the inside—training villages, competition arenas, and high-pressure routines. Watching the Games from the audience is a whole new experience.

And surprisingly, she’s loving it.

Instead of worrying about landings or scores, Biles gets to do something she rarely has time for during competition: simply enjoy the spectacle.

She described the shift as refreshing. Imagine spending years performing on stage and suddenly sitting in the audience for the first time. It’s the same show—but the feeling is completely different.

Why Milan Feels So Special

The Charm of Italy’s Olympic Stage

The Winter Games in Milan and Cortina bring a unique blend of modern city energy and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Even though Biles is best known for summer gymnastics competitions, she’s captivated by the winter sports environment. Snow-covered slopes, roaring crowds, and dazzling nighttime ceremonies create a completely different Olympic vibe.

For Biles, it’s also a chance to soak in the culture of Italy—food, architecture, and all the little moments that athletes often miss when they’re focused on competition.

Sharing the Experience With Jonathan Owens

A Love Story in the Olympic Stands

One of the most meaningful parts of this trip is sharing it with her husband, Jonathan Owens.

Owens, a professional football player, understands the dedication and sacrifice that elite sports demand. That shared understanding makes their Olympic adventure even more special.

Instead of discussing training schedules or competition strategy, the couple now talks about which events to watch next or which athlete’s story inspired them most.

And honestly? That’s a pretty sweet change of pace.

The Emotional Power of Watching the Olympics

Seeing the Games Through New Eyes

When Biles watches athletes compete now, she sees more than just the final scores.

She sees:

• Years of training

• Moments of doubt

• Countless sacrifices

• Dreams finally unfolding

Having lived that journey herself, she understands exactly what’s at stake for every competitor.

It makes every performance more emotional.

Remembering Her Own Olympic Journey

A Legacy Written in Gold

Biles’ Olympic story began at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she became one of the most dominant gymnasts in history.

Later, she returned to compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, showing resilience and courage during one of the most discussed moments in sports.

Watching the Games now brings back flashes of those memories.

The roar of the crowd.
The nerves before stepping onto the floor.
The joy of landing a perfect routine.

Except now, she gets to relive those feelings from a comfortable seat.

Why Athletes Sometimes Need to Step Back

The Beauty of Taking a Breath

Elite sports can feel like a nonstop sprint.

Training camps.
International competitions.
Media appearances.

Taking time away from competition allows athletes to reconnect with why they fell in love with sports in the first place.

For Biles, being a spectator reminds her that the Olympics are bigger than medals—they’re about inspiration.

The Olympic Atmosphere Is Still Electrifying

Energy You Can Feel in the Crowd

Even from the stands, the Olympic energy is impossible to ignore.

Fans from around the world fill arenas with flags, chants, and excitement. Every event feels like a global celebration.

Biles has said that watching athletes chase their dreams in real time is just as thrilling as competing.

Maybe even more so.

Because now she gets to cheer freely.

Supporting Athletes From the Sidelines

A Champion Cheering for Champions

When someone like Simone Biles sits in the audience, her presence alone means something.

Young athletes competing at the Olympics grew up watching her routines online or on television. Seeing her in the crowd can feel surreal.

It’s like a legend quietly passing the torch to the next generation.

A Different Kind of Olympic Memory

Moments That Don’t Involve Medals

Not every Olympic memory is about winning.

Sometimes the best moments are the simple ones:

• Laughing with loved ones in the stands

• Watching an underdog pull off an upset

• Seeing a lifelong dream come true

For Biles, those small moments with Jonathan Owens are becoming some of her most cherished Olympic memories.

Why Fans Love Seeing This Side of Simone Biles

More Human, More Relatable

Fans admire Simone Biles for her incredible achievements.

But they connect with her because she’s authentic.

Seeing her enjoy the Olympics like any other fan makes her story feel even more relatable.

After all, even the greatest athlete in the world sometimes just wants to sit back and watch the show.

The Role of Love and Support in Elite Sports

Jonathan Owens as Her Biggest Fan

Behind every champion is a support system.

For Biles, Jonathan Owens has been a constant source of encouragement. Whether she’s competing or relaxing in the stands, he’s there cheering her on.

Their relationship highlights something powerful: even superstars need someone in their corner.

The Olympic Spirit Never Leaves

Once an Olympian, Always an Olympian

Even without competing, Biles still feels the Olympic spirit.

That feeling of unity.
That sense of global celebration.
That belief that anything is possible.

The Olympics have a way of staying with athletes long after the routines end.

How This Experience Could Shape Her Future

A New Perspective on the Games

Watching the Olympics from the outside might influence how Biles approaches future opportunities.

Maybe she’ll mentor younger gymnasts.
Maybe she’ll become a commentator.
Maybe she’ll simply keep inspiring people through her story.

Whatever comes next, this experience adds another chapter to her remarkable journey.

Lessons Fans Can Learn From Simone Biles

It’s Okay to Slow Down

Biles’ Olympic journey teaches an important lesson: success isn’t just about pushing forward nonstop.

Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when you pause and appreciate where you are.

And sometimes, the best seat in the house isn’t on the competition floor—it’s right beside someone you love.

Conclusion

Simone Biles has spent years redefining what greatness looks like in gymnastics. But her latest Olympic experience proves that even legends appreciate the quiet beauty of simply watching the Games unfold.

From cheering in the stands to sharing unforgettable moments with Jonathan Owens, her first Olympics as a spectator in Milan has created a new set of memories—ones filled with joy, reflection, and love.

It’s a reminder that the Olympic spirit isn’t just about competition. It’s about connection, inspiration, and celebrating the incredible journey of athletes from around the world.

And for Simone Biles, that journey continues—just from a slightly different seat.