Seven-time Olympic champion Simone Biles has revealed that she recently experienced a serious medical emergency that she described as one of the most terrifying moments of her life.
In a candid message shared on social media, the gymnastics superstar disclosed that she narrowly survived a health scare earlier this month, although she did not provide details about the nature of the medical condition or incident that led to her hospitalization.
Posting a photograph showing multiple hospital identification bracelets on her wrist, Biles wrote that “almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week,” adding that the experience was among the scariest she has ever faced.
The 29-year-old athlete explained that she has spent the past week resting and recovering. While choosing to keep the details private for now, she expressed gratitude to family members, friends, and supporters who reached out, visited, checked in on her, and offered support during her recovery.
Biles noted that the experience was made even more difficult because her husband, Jonathan Owens, was away attending training with his team, leaving her to face the emergency without him by her side.
The revelation immediately prompted an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, and members of the sporting community around the world, many of whom praised her resilience and wished her a full recovery.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, Biles has become a global symbol of athletic excellence and perseverance. Her remarkable career includes seven Olympic gold medals and numerous world championship titles.
Most recently, she captured worldwide attention during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where she made a triumphant return to Olympic competition and secured three additional gold medals. Her comeback was especially inspiring given the challenges she faced during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
At those Games, Biles withdrew from several events after experiencing what gymnasts refer to as the “twisties,” a mental block that can affect spatial awareness during aerial routines. Her decision to prioritize her mental health sparked an international conversation about athlete well-being and was widely praised for helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges in elite sports.
Earlier this year, Biles also attended the Winter Olympics in Milan, where she was seen supporting fellow American athletes and offering encouragement to competitors facing disappointment and adversity.
While details surrounding her recent medical emergency remain unknown, Biles indicated that she intends to share more information in the future when she feels ready.
For now, supporters around the world are simply relieved to hear that one of sport’s most celebrated champions is recovering and resting after what she described as a life-threatening ordeal.
As she continues her recovery, the gymnastics community and millions of fans worldwide will undoubtedly be hoping for positive news from an athlete whose courage and determination have inspired people far beyond the world of sports.