Simone Biles ‘almost died’ as Olympic icon hospitalised in terrifying health scare | Other | Sport

Simone Biles has revealed that she suffered a major health scare earlier this week, claiming she “almost died” and describing it as “one of, if not the scariest experience of my life.” The seven-time Olympic champion, the most decorated gymnast of all time, did not offer many details about the medical emergency as she shared images of hospital bracelets on her wrist and data from a heart-rate monitor.

The Team USA icon posted: “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 earlier this week.” Referring to her husband Jonathan Owens, who plays in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and is currently away for off-season training, Biles added: “This was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life, especially since Jonathan was in Indy for his practices.

“I’ve been in bed resting this week. I’ll explain sooner or later, but s/o [shoutout] to my close circle who reached out, checked in, visited & or sent flowers. Love y’all.” The exact nature of her health scare has yet to be revealed, but when asked on X whether it was “health, accident, or violence” she replied: “Health.”

The 29-year-old also posted several pictures of flowers she had received and added a photo of two dogs on her bed along with the caption “I’ll be here” and the screenshot of her heart rate.

Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts in Olympic history with seven golds, two silver and two bronze medals. She has not competed since Paris 2024, where she won three golds, and hasn’t even done any gymnastics training.

The American, speaking to Spanish newspaper El Pais last week, declared that she is uncertain whether she will compete at LA 28 in what would be her fourth Games.

Biles, who has been doing other activities like yoga and Pilates to stay fit, said: “I’d say we’re still at about 50 per cent. Although I’ll also take this opportunity to say one thing: I feel we should know how to admire athletes while they are active and competing.

“I’ve already been to three Olympic Games, and I feel fulfilled. It’s crazy to see how people always want more and more from you. In the end, the decision will always be mine.

“I feel that after doing it for so long, I deserve a break. And I’m giving myself that privilege. Right now, I’m 29, and although longevity in the elite has advanced by leaps and bounds, it would be a huge sacrifice to try to be at Los Angeles [at 31]. We’ll have to see.”