Simone Biles has recently offered insight into a previously undisclosed aspect of her life — her “forbidden” closet. During an interview for Sports Illustrated’s January 2 cover story, the decorated Olympian, who was honored as the publication’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, shared details about a special “forbidden Olympics closet” in her residence that she maintains with her husband, Jonathan Owens.
Contrary to its intriguing name, Biles clarified that the “closet” is essentially a seldom-used guest room that she and Owens have repurposed to house her memorabilia from the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where she made headlines by withdrawing from competition. In moments when her spouse, a professional NFL player aged 29, was absent, Biles recounted how she would retrieve various items from the closet, including leotards and Team USA pins, and become emotional.
Reflecting on her vulnerability during those instances, Biles shared that she was careful to shield Owens from witnessing her in a weakened state. She emphasized the immense effort and unwavering support he consistently provided, noting that she strived to avoid giving him the impression that their relationship was faltering.
Acknowledged as the most decorated gymnast in history, Biles made the difficult decision to exit the 2020 Olympics due to experiencing “twisties” — a condition impacting her mental well-being. Despite this setback, she staged a remarkable comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics, overcoming a calf injury to secure gold in the team, all-around, and vault events, in addition to a silver in floor exercise.
Away from her athletic pursuits, Biles devoted time to overseeing the construction of a waterfront mansion shared with Owens. Documenting the progress on social media since September 2023, she welcomed followers into the journey of building their dream home. Notably, the couple shared glimpses of key features such as the in-ground pool, garage, kitchen, and laundry room through engaging updates on various platforms.
Detailing the ongoing construction, Biles unveiled images of the property’s pool overlooking a serene lake, with a foundation already in place. A three-car garage was also noted to be in progress, alongside a stylish kitchen boasting a striking black-and-white marble countertop complemented by sleek white cabinetry.
Simone Biles continues to captivate audiences not only with her remarkable achievements in gymnastics but also through her personal revelations and the shared milestones with her partner, Jonathan Owens. Their journey, encompassing triumphs on the world stage and the creation of a cherished home together, serves as a testament to their resilience, dedication, and unwavering bond.
