Olympic legend Simone Biles has provided a new health update to her fans, posting an Instagram Story on July 23 that shows her in a hospital gown and hair net alongside her husband, Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens. The photo, dated July 22, reveals Biles underwent a medical procedure, with her caption reading, “His birthday but he takes me to get my procedure.” This marks the first significant update from Biles since she shared a harrowing near-death experience in June.
June Health Scare Details
On June 15, Biles surprised fans with a post describing a terrifying health incident. She wrote, “Almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week,” calling it “one of, if not the scariest experience of her life.” The post included a photo of her wrist with multiple hospital bands, including a red band, and a medical dressing covering an IV site. Biles explained she was placed on immediate bed rest but did not disclose the cause or diagnosis. She promised to explain the situation “sooner or later.”
Biles’ health scare came after a period of relative privacy. Known for her cautious approach to sharing personal matters, she felt compelled to reveal the incident due to its severity. Since then, she has made public appearances, including attending the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City on July 15 and traveling to the Dominican Republic. The July 22 procedure appears to be a follow-up or treatment related to the June event, though Biles has not specified the connection.
Career Context and Comeback Landscape
Biles, 29, has been on a two-year hiatus from competitive gymnastics following the 2024 Paris Olympics. During that period, she has focused on her family, including her marriage to Owens and personal health. The gymnastics world, however, has seen a wave of comebacks from her former teammates. Suni Lee, the 2020 Olympic all-around champion, announced her return in mid-July, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera have also joined the comeback trail, while former elite athlete Katelyn Ohashi returned to competition after a 13-year break, even making the podium at the U.S. Classic.
These developments naturally raise questions about Biles’ own future. At 29, she is older than many gymnasts competing at the elite level. However, age has not deterred others: Ohashi is also 29 and returned to competition after breast augmentation surgery in 2025. Biles herself has stated she remains undecided about attempting a fourth straight Olympic team. In interviews prior to her health scare, she expressed openness to the possibility but emphasized that her priority was her well-being.
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles present a unique opportunity for Biles. If she returns, she would be 31, matching the age of some older gymnasts in history. Oksana Chusovitina competed into her 40s, and Biles’ teammate MyKayla Skinner retired after Tokyo but later attempted a comeback. Biles’ unparalleled skill set, including six all-around world titles and seven Olympic medals, makes her a potential contender if she chooses to return. Yet, the recent health scare and procedure add new uncertainty.
Medical Considerations and Public Speculation
The lack of information about Biles’ condition has fueled widespread speculation. The red hospital band visible in her June post typically indicates an allergy or a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, though its specific meaning in her case remains unknown. Medical experts have offered general possibilities: appendicitis, a pulmonary embolism, a severe infection, or a cardiac issue. Biles’ decision to undergo a procedure on July 22 suggests either an ongoing condition or a preventive measure.
Biles’ history with health issues includes dealing with the “twisties” during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a mental block that caused her to lose spatial awareness mid-air. She withdrew from several events but returned to win a bronze on balance beam. Since then, she has been open about prioritizing mental health. The physical health scare in June represents a new challenge.
Fans have expressed concern for Biles’ well-being, especially given her private nature. Her husband Jonathan Owens has been a supportive presence, and Biles often shares glimpses of their life together. The timing of the procedure—on Owens’ birthday—adds a personal touch to the ordeal. In her Instagram story, Biles signed off affectionately, indicating she is recovering.
Historical Impact and Legacy
Simone Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time. She has four signature moves named after her in the Code of Points—two on vault, one on balance beam, and one on floor exercise—a rarity in the sport. Her dominance includes five World all-around titles and a record 25 World medals. She also won team gold and all-around gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and silver in 2020 Tokyo. Even during her hiatus, her name remains synonymous with excellence.
Her influence extends beyond gymnastics. Biles has been a vocal advocate for survivor rights, especially in light of the Larry Nassar scandal, and she testified before the Senate. She also launched a mental health initiative and has appeared in major commercials and endorsements. Her personal journey—from being adopted by her grandparents to overcoming adversity—resonates with millions.
If Biles decides to retire permanently, she would leave an unmatched legacy. But her hints at an Olympic return, combined with the current comeback trend among her peers, suggest that she might not be done. The 2028 Games would be the first Olympic Games held in Los Angeles since 1984, and the city’s connection to Biles’ early career—she trained at World Champions Centre near Houston—adds emotional weight. However, any decision will hinge on her health.
Next Steps and Fan Support
As of late July 2026, Biles has not provided further updates on her condition or the results of the procedure. Her social media presence remains active but carefully curated. Meanwhile, the gymnastics community continues to rally around her. USA Gymnastics has not commented on Biles’ status, but former teammates have sent well-wishes.
For now, fans are advised to wait for official announcements. The uncertainty echoes the period after Tokyo when Biles took time off to recover. Unlike that situation, where the issue was mental, this health scare appears physical. The fact that Biles shared the news at all suggests she is managing the situation and wants her followers to be aware. The coming months will likely bring clarity, whether through her own disclosure or through her return to training.
In the meantime, the gymnastics world moves forward. Suni Lee‘s comeback training includes attempting a new skill on uneven bars, and Ohashi’s return has drawn attention to the possibility of older gymnasts competing at high levels. If Biles joins them, the 2028 U.S. Olympic trials could be one of the most competitive in history. But if her health requires her to step away permanently, her legacy is already secure.
The July 22 procedure, occurring on her husband’s birthday, underscores the personal nature of this chapter. Biles has always balanced her public persona with private struggles, and this episode is no different. As she recovers, the world watches with bated breath, hoping that the greatest gymnast of all time will get the chance to write one final, triumphant chapter—if she so chooses.
Source: Forbes News