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- Couple in the crowd: what they wore and who they watched
- How the U.S. skaters performed and the event outcome
- Simone’s reaction to ice skating: praise and humility
- Quick recap: Biles’ remarkable gymnastics career
- Tokyo 2020 moment and Paris comeback: lessons learned
- Support system: Jonathan Owens’ role and public encouragement
- What’s next: Biles’ view on 2028 and her future
Simone Biles — the powerhouse of artistic gymnastics — traded a competition leotard for a ringside seat at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She and her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, were photographed cheering on U.S. figure skaters at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, drawing attention as much for their support as for Biles’ star presence.
Couple in the crowd: what they wore and who they watched
On Feb. 13, the couple took in the men’s singles event among an international crowd. Biles arrived in a light-colored Olympic jacket paired with a navy shirt and white jeans. Owens matched Team USA colors in a navy jacket and white pants, adding a diamond necklace that featured his jersey number.
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- Venue: Milano Ice Skating Arena
- Event: Men’s single figure skating, Team USA competitors
- Notable skaters watched: Ilia Malinin and Andrew Torgashev
How the U.S. skaters performed and the event outcome
Ilia Malinin arrived as a medal favorite but struggled under pressure and dropped to eighth after two falls. Andrew Torgashev also skated for the United States, contributing to a day of mixed results for the American squad.
Simone’s reaction to ice skating: praise and humility
Biles, who built her fame in the summer Games, made clear she admires the difficulty of figure skating. She told spectators she has some familiarity with skating but would not attempt the tricks performed on ice.
She applauded the athletes’ skill and said she was there to cheer them on and enjoy the show. Biles admitted she could skate recreationally, but not at the elite level of the competitors she was watching.
Quick recap: Biles’ remarkable gymnastics career
Even while soaking up a winter sport, Biles remains one of the most decorated athletes in gymnastics history.
- Olympic medals: 11 total, including seven golds
- World Championships: 30 medals
- Olympic debut: 2016 Rio, where she earned four golds and a bronze
- Returned in Tokyo (held 2021) and in Paris (2024), adding multiple medals to her collection
Tokyo 2020 moment and Paris comeback: lessons learned
At the Tokyo Games, Biles publicly stepped back after experiencing the “twisties,” a dangerous loss of spatial awareness during twisting skills. She withdrew to protect her safety, then watched teammates secure a team silver. That episode prompted wide conversation about athlete mental health.
She returned to top form at Paris 2024, reclaiming golds in team, all-around and vault, while adding a floor silver.
Support system: Jonathan Owens’ role and public encouragement
Owens has been visible at Biles’ competitions and she has increasingly supported him at NFL games. He described his approach to supporting her as simple and steady — encouraging, present and focused on comfort rather than pressure.
What’s next: Biles’ view on 2028 and her future
Asked about the possibility of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Biles suggested that another run would feel excessive given her achievements. She framed her decision around perspective and timing, saying she knows when to step back.
Key takeaways from the Milano appearance
- Biles and Owens remain a high-profile sports couple supporting Team USA in both summer and winter arenas.
- Her presence brought attention to U.S. figure skating, even as favored contenders faltered.
- Her comments and demeanor reinforced a commitment to athlete safety and realistic goals.
