To say the Tokyo Olympics have been interesting for Simone Biles would be an understatement.
Biles first made the surprising but brave decision to withdraw from the team finals, and subsequently the all-around, vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise finals, declaring she was not in a good place mentally to compete.
But Biles returned to competing on Tuesday for the balance beam final, earning a bronze medal which, as far as Biles is concerned, was every bit as big an accomplishment as winning the gold, telling Reuters:
"I was proud of myself just to go out there after what I've been through."
"This one is definitely sweeter. I'll treasure this one a lot more after everything I have been through."
Indeed, Biles' newest bronze medal is her seventh Olympic medal, tying the 24-year-old with Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medal wins of any female American gymnast, though Biles has two more gold medals than Miller.
Biles took to Instagram to celebrate her triumphant return to competition, captioning the photo: "smiles for beam finals."
Unable to hide his praise for Biles in the comment section was Biles' boyfriend, Jonathan Owens.
@simonebiles/Instagram
The Houston Texans' safety has been vocally supportive of Biles throughout her Olympic journey in Tokyo, including a touching post following Biles' decision to withdraw from the team competition.
Owens shows nothing but admiration and courage for the young Olympian, telling Biles:
"Your strength and courage is unmatched and you inspire me more and more everyday."
Owens also couldn't contain his excitement after Biles earned the Bronze, declaring in an Instagram Story:
"Words can't explain how proud I am of you right now!"
Owens' undying support for Biles, who went public with their relationship in August 2020, charmed all of their respective Instagram followers.
@jowens_3/Instagram
@jowens_3/Instagram
@jowens_3/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
@simonebiles/Instagram
Biles also managed to find the time, when she wasn't competing or supporting her fellow team players, to send some love back to Owens.
@jowens_3/Instagram
It seems safe to assume it will be a very happy reunion once Biles is back home!
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter