“Currently in therapy”: Simone Biles opens up on Olympic mental health journey as Jonathan Owens prepares for NFL grind

Two years after stepping away from Olympic competition, Simone Biles has shared a clear update on her mental health. The Olympic champion said she is still in therapy as she looks back at the moment that changed her career.

Her remarks came during a recent interview, in which Biles revisited the pressure she faced at the 2020 Summer Olympics and how that phase finally reshaped her life.

Simone Biles reflects on Tokyo Olympics turning point as therapy remains central to her recovery

Speaking to CNN Sports journalist Amanda Davies, the living legend Simone Biles explained how the events in Tokyo pushed her to take action for her mental health. She said the experience forced her to step back and focus on herself rather than expectations.

“I feel like it showed the realness to me because everyone thought I was a robot, she’s not real, but it’s like, down to the core, I’m just like you guys. I’m real. It got me the therapy that I deserved, and I’m still currently in therapy. I had a lot of help, and my core group was really helpful in letting me know that it’s OK, people go through this, and you’re just human,” Simone Biles said during the interview.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from several finals after struggling with the “twisties,” a condition that affects spatial awareness during routines. The decision sparked global reactions, with many questioning her choice at the time. However, that moment later became a key shift in how athletes approach mental health.


“Gymnasts aren’t viewed as people who have weaknesses,” she added in the same interview. “Now, I look at it as being courageous and not so much a weakness.”

Also, Biles credited tennis star Naomi Osaka and NBA player Kevin Love as athletes who helped her feel less alone in speaking publicly about mental health.

She said, "I wish that more athletes would have spoken about what they were going through whenever I was currently competing. There was Naomi Osaka, Kevin Love, but there were very few in between that would speak about mental health and what they were going through. Those were my guides."

Since then, Simone Biles has stepped away from regular competition and focused on her personal life. She married NFL star Jonathan Owens in May 2023, and the couple has continued to support each other through their respective careers. Owens is currently preparing for the upcoming NFL season after signing with the Indianapolis Colts.

Biles has not ruled out a return to the Olympic stage. She said her decision regarding the 2028 Summer Olympics stands at “50-50” for now. A comeback would require her to return to full training after a long break, something she is still weighing carefully.

Away from competition, Simone Biles has remained active in public conversations. Earlier this week, she spoke about the rising cost of public appearances, revealing she spent around $23,000 on styling for an event. The comment showed a different side of her life beyond gymnastics.

Through it all, Simone Biles continues to prioritise balance and take care of her mental health. Her latest update makes it clear that her focus now lies on long-term well-being rather than immediate competition.

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