Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles has revealed she was hospitalized this week after what she described as one of the most frightening experiences of her life.
The 29-year-old athlete shared the news on Instagram, posting a photo showing multiple hospital bracelets and admitting the ordeal left her shaken.
“I’m not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today’s age, but almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card this week,” she wrote. “This was one of, if not the, scariest experience of my life.”
Biles did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency, saying only that she would explain what happened “sooner or later.”
The health scare was made even more difficult by the absence of her husband, Jonathan Owens, who was in Indianapolis participating in preseason training with the Indianapolis Colts. “Jonathan was in Indy for practices. I’ve been in bed resting this week,” she wrote. “I’ll explain sooner or later, but [shout out] to my close circle who reached out, checked in, visited or sent flowers. Love y’all.”
Biles later shared photos of the floral arrangements she received from friends and loved ones, along with an image of her bed and a screenshot showing her resting heart rate, adding simply: “I’ll be here.”
The decorated gymnast has long been open about the importance of prioritizing her mental health. In a previous interview with Harper’s Bazaar Spain, Biles reflected on the pressure that accompanied her rise to international fame after winning her first world championship title at age 16.
“Suddenly, everyone is watching you, telling you how to act, how to speak. I was afraid of disappointing them,” she said. “That’s why I started going to therapy. I needed to learn how to handle the pressure, how to remain true to myself.”
Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, continues to attend therapy regularly and has credited it with helping her navigate both her career and personal life.
She famously withdrew from competition during the delayed Tokyo Olympics, citing concerns for her physical and mental well-being. Looking back on that decision, Biles remains confident she made the right choice.
“I knew it was the right thing to do, even if the world didn’t understand,” she said. “Standing up for myself in that arena was the bravest leap of my life.”
While details of her recent hospitalization remain unknown, Biles indicated she is currently resting and recovering at home.
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