Jonathan Owens has nothing but praise for his “warrior” wife Simone Biles after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Aug. 6 following his return from Paris, the Chicago Bears safety, 29, opened up about the overwhelming pride he has for Biles, 27, who became the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history, while competing with a calf injury.
“Obviously, the first day when she had the injury to her calf and just her ability to persevere through that and go out there and still dominate is just amazing to watch,” said Owens of his wife, who earned four medals at this year’s Olympic Games.
“My wife is a warrior. That’s the one thing I tell people because I equate it to how we are in football,” he continued. “You limp around and it will hurt a little bit right before. But as soon as you go, it’s like you forget about it. Just pain tolerance and the way she was able to go out there and, like I said, look graceful with everything.”
The football star added: “People really didn’t have a clue what was going on. I’m just so happy and proud for her.”
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens in Paris during the 2024 Olympics
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Of the injury, U.S. women’s gymnastics Olympic Head Coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi previously told reporters, including PEOPLE, that it is a minor calf issue from a few weeks before the Olympics.
Biles gave an update on her health during an interview on NBC on Monday. While she appeared with a protective boot on her left leg, the athlete said, “Calf is good.”
“It’s just precautionary, making sure, because we still have [a] tour after this to heal up and all of that stuff. So, just a little bit of soreness,” she said. “I feel like elite athletes are pretty tough, so we’re just, through pain or pleasure, we’re ready for whatever.”
Biles has yet to announce whether she will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Owens said while speaking to PEOPLE that he will continue to support his wife no matter what.
Simone Biles of the United States competes during the uneven bars event of the artistic gymnastics women’s team final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 30, 2024. France Paris Oly Artistic Gymnastics – 30 Jul 2024
Simone Biles competing during the artistic gymnastics women’s team final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 30, 2024. Xinhua/Shutterstock
“That’s the one thing that she would just have to figure out for herself. And like I said, man, I’m here to support her a thousand percent and whatever she decides to do,” he said.
Discussion about this post