Simone Arianne Biles Owens (born March 14, 1997) is an American artistic gymnast and widely regarded as the most decorated gymnast in history. With a career spanning over a decade, she has revolutionized the sport through her unparalleled physical capability, technical innovation, and influence on the professional gymnastics landscape. As of March 2026, her extensive collection of accolades includes 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Biles spent her early childhood in foster care until she and her younger sister, Adria, were adopted in 2003 by their maternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles. The family settled in Spring, Texas, in the Houston metropolitan area. Biles discovered gymnastics at age six during a daycare field trip to Bannon's Gymnastix. Her natural aptitude for the sport led her to begin formal training, and she remained under the direction of coach Aimee Boorman for many years. Biles made her senior debut in 2013, quickly establishing her dominance on the world stage. Throughout the subsequent years, she became known for incorporating high-degree-of-difficulty skills into her routines, including several eponymous elements on the vault, balance beam, and floor exercise. Her professional trajectory is punctuated by historic performances at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she secured four gold medals and one bronze, leading the U.S. team to victory. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Biles became a central figure in a global conversation regarding athlete mental health. After experiencing the "twisties"—a disorienting mental block affecting aerial maneuvers—she made the decision to withdraw from several events to prioritize her safety and well-being. This moment was a significant turning point in her career and the sports world at large, as her candor prompted widespread discussion about the psychological pressures placed on elite athletes. Following a hiatus from international competition, Biles returned to the sport, demonstrating resilience and continued excellence. Her comeback culminated at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she led the U.S. team to gold and secured individual titles in the all-around and vault, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11. Her performance in Paris solidified her legacy as an athlete who successfully navigated high-stakes competition with a renewed focus on both physical and mental health. Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has been an influential voice for mental health advocacy, often crediting therapy and self-care as essential components of her success. She has also served as a role model for many aspiring gymnasts. In her personal life, Biles married NFL safety Jonathan Owens in 2023. As of early 2026, while Biles has not officially announced a retirement from gymnastics, she has not returned to active competition, leaving her potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a subject of ongoing public interest.