Just a week ago, Simone Biles was all smiles, celebrating with her husband Jonathan Owens after a whirlwind of joy during the Gold over America tour.
The couple seemed to be living their best lives, with Biles enjoying the spotlight and Owens taking a break from his NFL commitments.
But fast forward to now, and the scene has dramatically shifted.
Instead of bubbly celebrations, Biles found herself in tears, her face swollen, reflecting the bittersweet end of an incredible journey.
After wrapping up the tour on November 3rd, Biles was eager to reunite with her husband in Chicago.
She expressed her excitement, saying she couldn’t wait to cherish those moments together.
However, fate had other plans.
While Biles was busy in Detroit for the final tour stop, Owens and the Chicago Bears were facing off against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale.
Unfortunately, it was a tough game for the Bears, who suffered a disheartening 29-9 loss, leaving fans and players alike feeling dejected.
As the Bears struggled on the field, Biles was grappling with her own emotional turmoil.
Her absence at the game was palpable, and it resonated deeply within the gymnastics community.
The sight of Biles in tears struck a chord with many, as it highlighted the often unseen struggles athletes face.
She took to Instagram to share her feelings, posting a collage that depicted her emotional rollercoaster throughout the day.
Her Instagram story began with a radiant smile, followed by a cheerful drink in hand, likely a mimosa.
But as the photos progressed, a stark contrast emerged.
The third image hinted at her growing sadness, culminating in the last photo where her swollen eyes told the story of her heartache.
Fans rallied around her, recognizing the weight of her experiences, particularly as she reflected on the challenges of balancing her professional commitments with her personal life.
Biles had previously shared a joyful video of herself practicing gymnastics, reminiscing about the tour.
Yet, her caption—”Last show de bittersweet”—revealed the complexity of her emotions.
The 27-year-old gymnast had taken her team out for dinner to celebrate their successful tour, making her emotional farewell at the airport even more poignant.
The question on many minds is whether her tears were also tied to the distance from Owens.
Since their marriage earlier this year, the couple has faced the challenge of maintaining a long-distance relationship.
Biles candidly shared, “As soon as we got married, we’ve been long distance the whole time,” expressing her frustration about the limited time they’ve had together.
Their love story took a significant turn after their wedding in Cabo San Lucas.
Shortly after, Owens joined the Green Bay Packers, moving to Wisconsin, which intensified the physical separation between them.
This year has been a whirlwind for both, with Biles preparing for the Paris Olympics while Owens embarked on a new chapter with the Chicago Bears.
As Biles dove headfirst into the Gold over America tour post-Olympics, the couple’s interactions became sparse.
The emotional toll of being apart was evident, especially as Biles reflected on her journey and the sacrifices made along the way.
The tour was not just a professional endeavor for her but a celebration of her achievements and a testament to her resilience.
Despite the challenges, Biles remains hopeful.
She cherishes the moments they do get to spend together and looks forward to the future.
As she navigates the complexities of her career and relationship, one thing is clear: the love between her and Owens is strong enough to withstand the trials of distance.