Highlights
- Simone Biles is not pregnant, despite widespread rumors on social media.
- Speculation about Biles’ retirement from competitive gymnastics has intensified due to her age (27) and cryptic comments.
- Regardless of her decision to retire or continue competing, Biles has left an indelible mark on gymnastics.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast, has once again captured global attention, not for her gravity-defying routines but for swirling rumors about her personal life and career.
Following her triumphant performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured two more gold medals, bringing her total to an unprecedented nine, speculation about Biles’ pregnancy and potential retirement has reached a fever pitch.
Social Media User Doubles Down on Unverified Pregnancy Claim
The rumor mill began churning when a viral tweet claimed Biles had announced her pregnancy during an interview at the Olympics. The tweet stated,
“Still can’t get over the fact that Simone Biles did all of that while being injured AND pregnant! A true GOAT indeed.”
When questioned about the veracity of this claim, the account doubled down, insisting,
“Yup, she announced it during one of her interviews this morning!”
Despite the widespread speculation, no such interview ever occurred, and Simone Biles swiftly debunked the pregnancy rumors through her social media channels, asserting that she is not expecting and remains focused on her athletic career.
The confusion intensified when another social media post falsely attributed a pregnancy and retirement announcement to Fox News, stating:
“JUST IN: Fox News Just Reported that America’s most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time, Simone Biles Announces Retirement at 27 After Securing Gold at Paris Olympics, Reveals she is ‘expecting a baby’ with her husband, Jonathan Owens.”
This misinformation spread rapidly across social media platforms, with fans expressing a mix of excitement and disbelief.
“She’s pregnant y’all ✌️✌️ #SimoneBiles Olympic Gold! She knocked up and ready to be a MOM. This is the biggest blessing!!” Another fan pleaded directly to Biles, “@Simone_Biles you pregnant? They on Facebook saying you are.”
Despite the widespread speculation, Simone Biles is not currently pregnant.
The rumors appear to have stemmed from misunderstanding a news segment title: “Kam’s Korner: Simone Biles & Suni Lee, Cardi B expecting & Vybz Kartel freed | FOX 29 LIVE.”
This title, which mentioned Cardi B’s pregnancy, likely contributed to the confusion.
While Biles isn’t expecting at the moment, she has been open about her desire to start a family with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.
In a Q&A session with fans, Biles shared,
“Yes, we want kids. I would say 2 & Jonathan would say 3 is the perfect number. I don’t want to be outnumbered lol.”
Owens has also confirmed their plans for children but emphasized that Biles’ career takes priority for now, stating in an interview, “I got to let my baby handle herself first.“
Pregnancy Rumors Fuel Speculation About Simone Biles’ Retirement from Gymnastics
As the pregnancy rumors circulated, speculation about Biles’ potential retirement from competitive gymnastics intensified.
At 27, Biles is considered relatively old for elite gymnastics, a sport that typically favors younger athletes.
Her recent achievement as the oldest female gymnast to win Olympic gold since 1952 has only fueled this speculation.
Biles herself has added cryptic comments to the retirement rumors.
After winning gold in the all-around event, she remarked, “Rebeca can have the next one,” referring to Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade.
She also expressed fatigue with the high-pressure competition, saying,
“I’m tired. She’s way too close. I’ve never had an athlete that close… I’m getting uncomfortable guys. I don’t like that feeling – I was STRESSED.”
In a private conversation reported by The Washington Post, Biles allegedly told Andrade that Paris would be her last Olympic run.
When Andrade encouraged her to reconsider, saying, “No, girl, don’t do this,” Biles’ response was not reported.
However, Biles has not made an official retirement announcement.
When asked about the possibility of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she told the Associated Press,
“I would never say never… But right now, I can’t tell you yes or no. No definitive answers because I don’t know what life will look like in the next few years.”
Factors Influencing Biles’ Retirement Decision
Several factors could influence Biles’ decision about retirement:
- Age and physical demands: At 27, Biles has already defied expectations in a sport dominated by teenagers and young adults. The physical toll of elite gymnastics becomes increasingly challenging with age.
- Mental health considerations: Biles has been a vocal advocate for mental health in sports, famously withdrawing from several events in Tokyo 2020 due to the “twisties.” The pressure of high-level competition may factor into her decision.
- Personal life and family plans: As a married woman with expressed desires to start a family, Biles may be considering shifting her focus to personal goals.
- Accomplishments: With 41 medals from the Olympics, World Championships, and Pacific Rim Championships, Biles has little left to prove in the sport.
How Biles’ Retirement Decision Could Shape Gymnastics’ Future
Whether Biles chooses to retire or continue competing, her impact on gymnastics is indelible.
If she does decide to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she would be 31 – not an insurmountable age for an Olympic gymnast, as demonstrated by athletes like Oksana Chusovitina, who competed in Tokyo at 46.
Biles’ decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the gymnastics world.
Her potential retirement would mark the end of an era, leaving big shoes to fill for the next generation of American gymnasts.
However, her legacy extends far beyond her medal count, encompassing her advocacy for mental health, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her role in inspiring a new generation of athletes.
As fans and the gymnastics community eagerly await an official announcement from Biles regarding her future plans, one thing remains certain: Simone Biles has already secured her place in history as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Whether she chooses to grace the Olympic stage again or embark on a new chapter in her life, her influence on gymnastics and sports as a whole will continue to resonate for years to come.
Just So You Know
- Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history, with a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.
- At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles won four gold medals and one bronze.
- Biles introduced two new skills that were named after her: the “Biles” on balance beam (a double-twisting double-tucked somersault dismount) and the “Biles II” on floor exercise (a triple-twisting double-tucked somersault).
