Simone Biles: “I thought America hated me” (FBF)

Summary

Call Her Daddy Podcast Summary

Episode: Simone Biles: “I Thought America Hated Me” (FBF)
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host: Alex Cooper
Guest: Jonathan Owens (Simone Biles' Husband)

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1. Introduction and Background

In this emotional and candid episode of Call Her Daddy, Alex Cooper welcomes Jonathan Owens, the husband of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. The conversation delves deep into Jonathan's personal journey, his relationship with Simone, and the challenges faced during Simone's illustrious gymnastics career.

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2. Early Life and Adoption

Jonathan Owens opens up about his early years, sharing the profound impact of being adopted at the age of six. He speaks about the struggles of being separated from his biological siblings and the anxiety it caused him.

Jonathan Owens [07:01]: "For me, it means the world. Being adopted since I was six years old has been a long road and journey..."

He discusses the unwavering support from his adoptive parents, highlighting their dedication by never missing any of his competitions except during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jonathan Owens [07:35]: "Their support means the world to me. They've never missed a competition, anything besides 2020..."

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3. Journey into Gymnastics

Jonathan recounts how he and his sister were introduced to gymnastics during a daycare field trip. Despite having no prior experience, Jonathan's natural aptitude for the sport was evident.

Jonathan Owens [12:09]: "We got into gymnastics from a daycare field trip. I saw these girls flipping around, and I thought, I could do that."

His coaches recognized his potential early on, prompting him to commit fully to gymnastics over other activities like cheerleading.

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4. The Pressure of Success

As Jonathan's gymnastics career soared, he felt the immense pressure of living up to expectations. Being seen as the "strong one" among his peers made it difficult for him to show vulnerability.

Jonathan Owens [14:05]: "Everybody else always saw it... I thought they were just giving me compliments because I'm so short."

Despite his success, Jonathan grappled with insecurities and the fear of not measuring up, a common struggle among elite athletes.

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5. Mental Health Struggles and "The Twisties"

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Jonathan's battle with mental health, particularly during the Tokyo Olympics. He explains "the twisties," a phenomenon where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness, leading to dangerous performances.

Jonathan Owens [47:28]: "The twisties are like your mind and body disconnecting. It's terrifying because you're essentially driving a car without knowing how to control it."

Jonathan shares his decision to withdraw from his vault routine during the Olympics to prioritize his mental well-being, despite the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health in sports.

Jonathan Owens [42:22]: "As soon as I landed, I thought America hated me. The world is gonna hate me."

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6. Tokyo Olympics Experience

During the Tokyo Olympics, Jonathan experienced a mental breakdown mid-competition, leading him to abandon his vault routine. This act of self-preservation was met with mixed reactions from his team and the public.

Jonathan Owens [48:23]: "I go to tell my coach, I'm done. I'm not doing anymore because I don't know how much else I can survive."

He describes the overwhelming feelings of failure and the fear of letting down his team and country.

Jonathan Owens [51:29]: "Everything hurts, but my knees are fine. My brain hurts."

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7. Post-Olympics and Healing

After the Olympics, Jonathan embarked on a speaking tour, "Gold Over America," where he shared his experiences and advocated for mental health awareness. The tour became a therapeutic outlet for him, helping him process his trauma and connect with fans who were also struggling.

Jonathan Owens [60:15]: "Therapy helped me realize there's more to life than gymnastics. The tour filled my cup up."

He emphasizes the importance of continuous therapy and the support system that helped him navigate his healing process.

Jonathan Owens [72:07]: "Keep up with my therapy, even on the hard days."

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8. Relationship with Jonathan Owens

The conversation shifts to Jonathan's relationship with his husband, Jonathan Owens, an NFL player. They met on the dating app Raya and have built a strong, supportive partnership despite the challenges of long-distance and public scrutiny.

Jonathan Owens [78:04]: "I thought, 'I'm gonna marry him.' It was a Covid relationship, but we got through it together."

They discuss the viral moment when Jonathan's interview seemingly downplayed Simone's fame, leading to public backlash. Jonathan defends his husband, highlighting his kindness and support.

Jonathan Owens [86:10]: "They were mad that he didn't include me in the interview, but he has his moments too."

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9. Legacy and Future Plans

Jonathan concludes by reflecting on his legacy, aiming to advocate for mental health, foster care, and ADHD awareness. He aspires to be remembered as someone who gave his all, had fun, and never gave up.

Jonathan Owens [89:12]: "To be an advocate for mental health, foster care, ADHD, and just someone that gave it her all and enjoyed her career."

Simone expresses her admiration for Jonathan's resilience and their shared commitment to supporting each other.

Simone Biles [89:55]: "You are so much more than gymnastics, but you are kickass, badass as a gymnast, obviously the greatest of all time."

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Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Owens [07:35]: "Their support means the world to me. They've never missed a competition..."
• Jonathan Owens [47:28]: "The twisties are like your mind and body disconnecting..."
• Jonathan Owens [72:07]: "Keep up with my therapy, even on the hard days."
• Simone Biles [89:55]: "You are so much more than gymnastics..."

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Conclusion

This episode provides an intimate look into the personal and professional life of Jonathan Owens, revealing the often unseen struggles behind the spotlight. Through his honesty, Jonathan sheds light on the importance of mental health, the challenges of elite sports, and the strength found in supportive relationships. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the pressures faced by athletes and the resilience required to overcome them.

Transcript

[Alex Cooper]

Hi, Daddy Gang, it is your father. I am so excited that CallerDaddy has officially joined the SiriusXM family. I cannot wait to talk to new guests and continue to share my crazy personal stories and experiences with you every single week. If you want to hear new episodes ad free, subscribe to Sirius XM podcasts on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. Haagen Dazs is made to be savored and enjoyed slowly introducing new Haagen Dazs Belgian Waffle Cones, a completely new experience that's worth slowing down for. Available in four delicious flavors, including my favorite, toasted almond fudge. It's a crispy Belgian waffle cone full of luxurious vanilla ice cream, topped with toasted almonds and milk chocolate curls and finished with fudge sauce at the bottom. Daddy Gang, I love, love, love a good vanilla chocolate almond. So get yourself some ice cream. New Haagen Dazs Belgian Waffle Cones, available at retailers nationwide. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Nordstrom Rack. Great deals, great prices. Everyone's got a reason to rack. And now amazing deals for every day of summer are at Nordstrom Rack stores and they're up to 60% off. Yes, you heard that right, Daddy Gang. Did you know Nordstrom Rack has Adidas and Nike and Vince, seriously, they have so good brands. I feel like I always go with my mom and I'm like, oh my God, look at all the good stuff. You can always find something amazing. But don't wait. The best deals go fast. Save big on Marc Jacobs, madewell, Steve Madden and more. Plus, buy it online and pick it up in store the same day for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack.

[Simone Biles]

What is up, Daddy gang?

[Alex Cooper]

It is your founding father, Alex Cooper with Call Her Daddy.

[Simone Biles]

Daddy.

[Jonathan Owens]

Oh my God.

[Simone Biles]

How are you dude?

[Alex Cooper]

Finally.

[Jonathan Owens]

Thank you for coming. I'm going to go finish my. Shall go.

[Simone Biles]

Good seeing you. This is insane. Oh my God. Oh my God.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Simone Biles]

Boom.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Simone Biles]

Welcome to Call Her Daddy. I feel like we've been waiting for this for so long. Okay, we need to tell the Daddy Gang the story. So I would say like I don't know, maybe like a couple years ago we. I don't remember who DMed who? No, I remember you tagged me in a story that you were watching. Call Her Daddy. And I lost my mind because I was like, wait, she listens. And then I started pressuring. I'm like, oh my God, I need to do better. I need to impress Simone. But it was such a cool full circle moment that we started dming. We had this dming relationship here and there. And then when NBC and I started working together for the Olympics, I remember we sat down and they were like, okay, what person do you wanna interview? And immediately I was like, Simone. And of course they're like, lol. That's so cute. Of course everyone wants to interview Simone. I'm like, no, I need to interview her. And they're like, do you know her? And I'm like kind of. Yeah, we're pen pals. Like that. And now we're finally here.

[Jonathan Owens]

Thank God.

[Simone Biles]

It's perfect.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Simone Biles]

Okay, so we were just at your parents gym watching from previous documentaries that you've done to watching it all get built to you now having your own gym gym and how supportive your parents have been. Like, what does that support mean to you?

[Jonathan Owens]

For me it means the world. Cuz being adopted since I was 6 years old to now, it's been a long road and journey like career wise and just like who Simone is instead of Simone Biles. So it's been a long journey but their support means the world to me. They've never really missed a competition, anything besides 2020, Olympics 2021, whatever we want to call it, that's the only thing they missed because they weren't allowed to go because of COVID But other than that, they've supported everything that I've ever wanted to do, all of that stuff since I was a young girl.

[Simone Biles]

When you say the word Simone Biles to the world, I think everyone immediately thinks Olympian the goat. And I think there's like a lot of people that probably don't know where you came from. And the backstory of like your life hasn't always just been this picture perfect situation. When you were three, you went into Fost.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Simone Biles]

Can you share just a little bit like what was going on at home that led to that?

[Jonathan Owens]

I was only three years old, so I learned that a little bit whenever I was older. But drug and alcohol abuse and so I just don't think that she was around too much. And people, you know, would call CPS or see us out and about. So that's kind of what happened. That's when foster care came and got us and placed us into a foster home. And so the only thing that I remember was just being anxious when we Would go to sleep because my brother was in the room next door. And I think we were just always used to sleeping together or close or whatever. Cause he's not that much older. And mind you, we were three, and so I just had anxiety problems. So we were in a girls room. They had girls rooms and boys rooms. And from my knowledge that sometimes during the night or during the day, they would take kids out and replace them into a different home. And. And that's usually how siblings were separated. So I was just so terrified that if I woke up, my brother wouldn't be there. Even though I was with my sister, I was like, oh, we all have to stay together, kind of that thing, even from a young age. So I'd always sneak in and go sleep with him because I'm like, oh, this is my brother. You know, Because I didn't understand the separation. Whenever at nighttime, Fast forward. A couple years later, I was at gym, and I knew I was adopted. From the moment we were adopted. My family told us, you guys are adopted. And I was like, cool, okay, right, great. Like, I don't know what that means, but. And then they had asked us if we wanted to call them mom and dad. And from my knowledge, I was like, perfect. Like, why wouldn't I? And so it was just super strange to me because I remember this day at gym, we were talking about our families, and they had said something, and I was like, oh, well, I'm adopted. And it felt like everything in the room in the gym stopped. And they were like, what? You're adopted? Because that was not to their knowledge. And I was like, why is everyone freaking out? And so I was like, well, you know, my parents, those are my grandparents, my uncles that I call my brother now. Those were my uncles. And so I just remember we all sat on the floor. Practice stopped because everybody needed to know the story. Like, the coaches were intrigued. Everybody, they were like, you're adopted. And I was just kind of like, well, yeah, aren't you? Where'd you come from? I'm just, like, so confused.

[Alex Cooper]

Right?

[Simone Biles]

It was normal for you.

[Jonathan Owens]

When they say the stork brings the babies, I'm like, how did you get here? Stop. Like, you weren't picked.

[Simone Biles]

Like, you weren't in a house, and then you.

[Jonathan Owens]

You weren't adopted. So, like, that was shocking to me.

[Simone Biles]

Did your parents ever talk to you about your biological parents?

[Jonathan Owens]

Kind of funny, because. No, because I just. I'm not sure the relationship maybe, because we didn't ask either, but we knew who it was as we Got older Shannon. And that's kind of what we just address her as. But I knew once I got older that that's my dad's daughter. And then that's also crazy explaining to people, because I'm like, my biological mom is also my dad's daughter, and I call him dad. So it's just like, everybody's hella confused.

[Simone Biles]

It's a whole family tree that you're like, don't make me explain it. My parents are my parents. I got chosen feeling blessed.

[Jonathan Owens]

Literally, I'm like, if you think too hard, it just gets jumbled.

[Simone Biles]

So your grandparents adopted you at 6? Yes. Now they're your parents.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

Boom.

[Simone Biles]

How do you think that did change, though? Like, the trajectory of your life, everything?

[Jonathan Owens]

I have no idea where I would be without being adopted. Unfortunately, I might end up the same statistic that other foster kids unfortunately end up. And, you know, at 18 years old, you get kicked out of a foster home. So then you have. You're homeless.

[Alex Cooper]

Right.

[Jonathan Owens]

If you don't get into college and stuff, which most people don't, graduate high school, you're on the street. So, like, I fear for what my life would have looked like.

[Alex Cooper]

Wow.

[Simone Biles]

I mean, it's incredible to see what you have all built together as a family. I love how in the beginning, you just quickly are like. And then when I'm at the gym, back up. Okay. You are the greatest of all time.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Simone Biles]

Let's talk about when you first got into gymnastics. Like, do you remember? Did you just think of it as a hobby? Were you passionate about it? Like, how did you get into gymnastics?

[Jonathan Owens]

We got into gymnastics. I say we as me and my sister from a daycare field trip. Again, I believe everything happens for a reason. In this day, we're here in Texas. If nobody knows we're here in Texas, we were supposed to go on a field trip to the oil ranch. Like, how country. How Texas is that? And then we wind up at the gym, and because it was storming that day, so they're like, that's an outside activity. Where are we gonna take the kids? And so I feel like God was like, take the kids to the gym and see what happens. And so we end up at the gym, and I see these girls, and mind you, I've never seen gymnastics in my life. They're flipping around all of the things. And me, six years old, I'm like, I could do that. Like, not knowing. I just, like, feel like I could do that. And I'm watching them super intrigued. Somebody does something, I do something. And then the coaches look over, and they're like, can you do that again? Like, what did you just do? Have you ever been to gymnastics? I was like, no, this is my first time. And I did it again. And they're looking at my. Like, my body build. And if I show you pictures whenever I was younger, like, I was built. Like, I was ripped for no reason. Just. That's just how I was built. And so they were like, you've never done a sport. Your body stature is, like, it's made for gymnastics. And they're like, that's not normal. And so they sent a letter home, and I gave it to my parents. My mom saw it, and she was like, okay, do you want to do the one with the four events, or do you want to do tumbling and then maybe you'll go to cheerleading? And I was like, I want to do the one with the four events. And that's how I started.

[Simone Biles]

It is truly fascinating that, like, some people you hear that are so great. Like Tom Brady, for example. You think of Tom, and they're like, oh, he was a little awkward. And it's, like, kind of crazy that Tom can even run the way he can. For you. It's the complete opposite, where you walked into the. And people were like, who is that girl? And you had never done any of this before? Because I was gonna ask you, like, was there ever, once you started an aha. Moment that you were like, holy shit, I'm actually really good at this.

[Jonathan Owens]

Never. For me, everybody else always saw it. And since I was always the smallest in my class, the shortest, I thought they would always be like, oh, my God, she's so good. She's so cute. She has so much talent. I just thought it was like, what your grandmother does when she comes around every year. Like, oh, you look so good. Like, I thought, really, that's what it was. And I'm. You're just saying that because I'm so short. So it took a while for me to really, like, lean into my talent and to realize, oh, my gosh, I could do something or be someone interesting, because once I started, I did it for fun. Nobody in my family has ever done gymnastics, so they have no idea where the talent came from. My siblings were really good at track, but that's kind of it.

[Simone Biles]

Were you in school? Did people make comments about how short you were? Like, were. That you were.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes, because, like, you could always grow. So they were like, we're just waiting for her growth, which I'm still waiting. I tell God, like, finish it when I'm done with gymnastics. So maybe we're not done yet. The doctor probably thinks my growth plates are closed, but that's a different story.

[Simone Biles]

I love it. You're like, it's gonna happen.

[Jonathan Owens]

But other than that, they all saw it. They would say, like, they gave me this nickname, soldier, because my muscles and all of this stuff. And so, like, one time I beat this kid up on the playground because he said, oh, I bet you can't beat me up. And I was always the kid that if you said I couldn't do something, I'm doing it. And I think I'm still that way. Like, I'm doing it.

[Simone Biles]

I was gonna say, I feel like getting into this sport, any sport, at the competitive level that you're dealing with, you have to have such discipline and drive. And I'm wondering, like, where did that come from, this competitiveness in you?

[Jonathan Owens]

I don't know. But if I had to pinpoint, like, my parents were very hard workers. Me and my sister were pretty much always on top of our schoolwork and we were just kind of self driven. And I don't know where it came from, but I think it started from my parents just seeing how hard they work, everything that they've done for us, for our siblings. It's kind of something that was a little bit taught in that nature too.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

When you do compete at this level, I know that for athletes it's like, it's not just you committing your life, it's your entire family has to get on board. It's a lifestyle change. When do you think you guys really all decided? Like, oh, as a family, we're going for this?

[Jonathan Owens]

Probably the whole family started making sacrifices when my practices started going late and then dinner time started to change, or they would have to leave stuff in the oven or on the stove. And they were like, okay, she's really doing this. But none of us knew how far it was gonna take us and to end up where we are, we just kind of thought like, oh, she's doing these flips. She likes it, she enjoys it. As long as she's having a good time, we're going to let her continue. Because my parents were always the first to say, if you want to quit, let us know. We'll pull you out.

[Simone Biles]

Because you went to public school till 8th grade, right?

[Alex Cooper]

Correct.

[Simone Biles]

And then you officially did homeschooling Starting high school, did you get to have any, like, typical teenage experiences? Like, did you go to prom?

[Jonathan Owens]

None. The first time I danced with a boy was on dancing with the Stars. With Sasha. And it was after the Olympics. I was, like, 19 years old. I remember he, like, got in my face, grabbed me, and I was like, like, freaking out. Simone. No, no. Talk about, like, a culture shock.

[Simone Biles]

I was about to say the fact. The fact. I need to hear if there's anyone in the world that could say that statement. The first time I ever danced with the boy was on Dancing with the Stars. Icon. Icon. Like, it's giving, like, only you Crazy. Okay, so you never got. Did you have sleepovers?

[Jonathan Owens]

Some. But then at that time, we had moved, like, 40 minutes away. So if we ever wanted to have a sleepover, it was more like your mom drops us, your dad brings her, because, like, the distance. So other than that, we'd have some best friends come sleep over. But then it was kind of like, okay, if you stay over on Friday, you're not leaving till Sunday. So we had sleepovers. But then again, it started turning into, sorry, I have practice on Saturday. So then go to the gym, we'll drop you off. That sort of thing.

[Simone Biles]

It's like your life revolved around it.

[Jonathan Owens]

Everything revolved around gymnastics.

[Simone Biles]

And if people don't play sports, like, I look back, I'm like, okay, can I relate to that? I'm like, yeah. Growing up, most of my friends were just soccer friends. Cause you're just kind of become family, and they're like, you're so.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. I think in middle school, that's when the insecurities started and I kind of became a shell of myself. But I feel like nobody really understood why I was, like, racing to my locker to get my gym equipment. And then, like, at the time, our housekeeper would take me to practice and all of this stuff. So nothing I did at that point was relatable. And it was very hard to not make friends, but to just keep them up because I couldn't hang out with them on the weekends. I couldn't go to Friday Night Live. I couldn't do all anything on the weekends. I was going to a gymnastics meet. I was doing this, that the other. So to me, it was like, let me get my schoolwork done. I have, like, three friends, like, at the loser table, like, and I'll do my stuff at the gym. And, yeah, it was really hard to relate because they're doing who knows what.

[Simone Biles]

And, like, they're, like, texting boys on aim, and you're, like, in the gym.

[Jonathan Owens]

I don't know what that is. The most boy I know is gym. Like, literally.

[Simone Biles]

And did you resent it at all? Like, did you ever be like, ugh, why am I doing this? Like, why am I doing this to.

[Jonathan Owens]

Myself at that point? No, because I still love to do it. And I had all my friends at the gym, and that's kind of all I needed at that point. But going into high school, I was, like, mad at my parents. Like, mad as hell. Like, you figured out why I can't do school and gym. Like, you figure it out. Like, some of my friends could do it because their states allowed that. And that's at the time I started doing national team camps. And we missed so much school, so I didn't have a choice. But, like, California, as long as you did your schoolwork. And I can't speak on the rules of the laws now, but it's just how it was back then. They could miss, however, as long as they got their schoolwork done out of it. But Texas law states you can only miss X amount before they fail you, even if you do your schoolwork. So that just wasn't an option for us. And it's not like we were ever gonna move or do anything. Cause, like, Texas has kind of the best gymnastics, and that's what it was. But I wanted to go to the football games. I wanted to go to the school dances. I wanted to. But it was okay that I didn't, because I knew I wasn't confident enough in my body to show my muscles. Cause at that time, I wore a lot of hoodies, and I didn't want my muscles to show because then at that point, I'm stronger than all the boys because they haven't bulked up yet. And I'm just like, hey, nobody really understood. So it was okay.

[Simone Biles]

Right? I get what you're saying. It's almost like it was okay for you to escape to the gym because you felt more confident there, and everybody.

[Jonathan Owens]

Had muscles, and we all looked the same. I do remember one of my friends snuck me into high school one day, and I got to go around with her to each class, and I thought that was the best day ever. I was like, I'm in high school. And her teachers just played along with it. They were like, if the principal catches us, who knows what we'll do? But I did a whole entire day with her, and that was so cool.

[Simone Biles]

Well, it's incredible to look back, and as much as you sacrificed, the sacrifices clearly paid off, because when you were 16 is when your winning streak just really began. You won three consecutive world Championships, and then you went on to dominate, dominate the Rio Olympics when you look back at that time of your life, like, what does that success mean to you?

[Jonathan Owens]

Well, to me, I thought, that's kind of where it ended. And I was like, oh, my gosh. How have I reached my greatest achievement in life at 19? I was scared for the rest of my life. Like, how can I beat this? How can I top this? What the heck am I gonna do? I won the Olympics at 19. Like, it's gonna be a shithole from here on out.

[Simone Biles]

We're going downhill.

[Jonathan Owens]

No, literally, because most people don't get to go to more than one Olympics or do those things. So at one point, I was like, I did it. This is my greatest. Like, this is the greatest thing that I wanted to achieve in my life. And then I was like, I did it at 19.

[Simone Biles]

You almost, like, were excited for two seconds to then be like, can I even actually enjoy this? Does this mean it's over?

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And so I was scared. But at that time, you couldn't really tell me anything, because I was like, oh, my gosh. I did it. And I knew as soon as that happens. We've watched previous Olympics, so we know how their lives change after that. So I knew it was gonna be different, but I knew it was gonna be different. Every day at the Olympics, my followers go up 10,000. And then I had a million. And then I was like, what the heck is happening? And why are people following me? I was like. At that point, I was like, yes, this is my greatest achievement, because I've been vying for this since I was 6 years old, per se. But then I was like, but y' all haven't watched the Come up, so why do you care? Like, this is my greatest achievement. Cool. So it was kind of weird to me that people were following me because I had won the Olympics, because to me, that was the biggest thing. But I was like, how's that the biggest thing for you to follow me? Because I won this. It was kind of weird. And then I was like, okay, I really need to find out who I am without gymnastics. Because I didn't think I was gonna.

[Simone Biles]

Do it again when the rise really started. Like, I think about the pressure that people put on you. It's like, oh, my God, you're so great. We all are looking at you. You're Simone Biles. You just did the Olympics. You're thriving. You're getting gold. Did you ever feel like you weren't allowed to have moments of weakness?

[Jonathan Owens]

A lot of the time. Because on a lot of the teams, a lot of the girls Looked up to me. So I felt like I was that strong person that everybody was like, oh, my God, Simone's so strong. She has a strong personality. If you had something to describe me as strong went before that word. So I felt like I could never show a sign of weakness, but I just always felt like I was the strong one for my friends, the strong ones, for my family, the strong ones. So it was just kind of like, I got to a point where it was so hard for me to cry or show emotion, but I also think that came from gymnastics. It's like, throw all that out the window, work on what you need to work on, and then outside at the gym, whatever happens, happens. So, yeah, it was weird, different, difficult. But at that point, again, I'm only 19 years old.

[Simone Biles]

Well, that's what I was gonna say, though, Simone, like, when you're saying, like, I had to be strong, like, I'm technically, like, the older one at the gym. I've now gone to the Olympics. Like, I know what I'm doing. Like, you're strong for your family. Like, who did you, like, go to to say, like, hey, like, yeah, I'm. I'm stressed. I have all these followers.

[Jonathan Owens]

I have the world a lot of the time. If it wasn't my sister, because we're very, very, very close, if it wasn't her silent cries. I didn't like to see anybody. Like, I didn't want anybody to ever see me cry. Why? Because I didn't want them to show or see that I was a sign of weakness. So it was a lot of silent nights where I would cry, because even after the Olympics, I went home and, like. Like, we went on tour and stuff. But there would be a lot of times where I felt so alone because, like, how many kids can relate? 19 years old, you won the Olympics, and then you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. I'm still learning. It's just like, now I'm a celebrity, I don't know what I want to do with my life. I don't know if I can do this again. Everybody's cheering me on. It's just like, it was an overnight sensation, so to speak. Even though, like, people that watched gymnastics watched for the four years prior, watched my whole entire career, but to just be, like, thrown out there, I was kind of confused. But then somebody told me it was lonely at the top. And so I would relay that message in my head, and it was, like, positive sometimes. Like, yeah, it's lonely at the top. And then other times, it Was like, it felt hard and heavy.

[Alex Cooper]

Right.

[Simone Biles]

You're like, I don't know if I want to be at the top, if it's this lonely, like, if it's this.

[Jonathan Owens]

Isolating because I'm only 19. So we wanted our lives to be as normal as possible. And so I think that's why I'm so grounded with my family and all, because we never wanted it to take over because we've seen how that can happen. But again, I was just a kid. I was homeschooled. I didn't have much.

[Simone Biles]

It's like, well, as I'm listening to you talk about this too, it's like, there's so much pressure that is put on young athletes. Then when you are the star athlete at a young age, there's more pressure to grow up and become an adult soon because everything's riding on you.

[Jonathan Owens]

It feels like it's right and you're under a microscope.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

And. And then you have the press looking at you and fans, and you're like, now I need to become media trained, and now I need to learn how to know how to just handle myself again at 19 years old. And something that I'm realizing, you're saying talking about how you had to bear a lot of this on your own with all of your success, then there was behind the scenes. So much fucking going on.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

And. And in 2018, you spoke out about the abuse that you endured from the USA gymnastics physician.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

I'm so curious, Simone. Like, can you talk about your decision to open up about that?

[Jonathan Owens]

The main reason I did that is because a lot of people follow me, a lot of people go on my platforms, and I've always been an open and honest book from the very beginning. And I've always decided I'm not gonna let anything ever change me because this is who I am, so take it or leave it. But I've always been an open book. Like, I was talking to my friend the other day, and she was like, I met you in three minutes. We went from talking about this to, like, deep stuff. And it's just like, a lot of people, when they meet me, they can feel that. But it's after that I decided to speak out because I know it could help a lot of people. So if I could shine a light on whatever that is, then I'm gonna do that. But I wanted to be in a good enough place and to have the proper help lined up before I spoke out, because that stuff was so traumatizing. And I truly don't understand how I did what I did under those circumstances and how I put on a face. But you know, at some point, as an athlete, you were an athlete, so you understand. It's like we normalize a lot of stuff, but then we push off emotions. It's like we do so much.

[Simone Biles]

It's this like, you can create this like false narrative in your head of what you should endure and what's normal. And it's.

[Jonathan Owens]

And that's all, you know, that's all we knew. So we thought it was normal because we're all homeschooled there together.

[Simone Biles]

It's like, right, you're all going through the same thing. Yeah.

[Jonathan Owens]

And so if we're talking to each other and if this is happening to you, this is happening to you.

[Simone Biles]

Okay, right, cool.

[Jonathan Owens]

It's normalized.

[Simone Biles]

What we're talking about also is like, there's so many different forms of abuse, but like the abuse of power is. It's such a tricky situation and we see it so often, but like we're having a conversation about one. Someone that you were told to trust, but also by an organization that was supposed to protect you and foster your career. And so there's so much, yes, abuse, mentally, physically, emotionally. But like, I'm curious because I think sometimes when people look at you, it's like Simone Biles, like the face of mental health and she's the best units. But it's like on the real day to day, this shit is fucking awful to go through. And people weren't with you on the day to day once you decided to speak out about this. How did processing this trauma show up in your day to day life?

[Jonathan Owens]

Well, at that point I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. And I kind of knew I was depressed, but I hit it so well because I train 34 hours a week. So what do I always do? Whenever I'm at home, I'm in my room laying down, resting, resting, resting. But I knew this resting was very different. Like, it was hard to get out of bed, it was hard to do anything. It felt like everything felt heavy in the end of the world and. And again, a lot of sleepless crying nights. Like, why me? Because I. It's just like. And then you kind of play victim and then it seems like again, nobody can relate to you. Nobody's listening, nobody is. I trusted this person, this, that, the other. So it just felt very, I wouldn't even say dehumanizing, but it felt like I held a lot of the guilt that wasn't mine to hold.

[Simone Biles]

The fucking worst.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And I think that was the hardest for me to process. And I learned through therapy, like, yes, this is not my guilt to hold, but to convince myself that. Because it's easier said than done. Totally. But to convince myself that it was really, really hard. And I think I'm still working on that in therapy. Like, it's gotten a lot better, and I feel comfortable, and now I can have conversations and stuff like that. But, yeah, I have good days, I have bad days. But I also know that that doesn't define me.

[Simone Biles]

It does not define you at all. It's an experience you went through. I do think it's unfortunate how so few people understand, though. Like, this is something that is a part of you for the rest of your life. It doesn't define you. But when people are like, okay, it's never over.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And that's. I think as an athlete, that was the hardest thing for me to process, too. Because, you know, if you get injured, you go to the doctor and they're like, okay, three to six months or three weeks or whatever. And this is like, years. And I'm like, why do I not feel better? Like, if a doctor could sit down and tell me, I'd be great. Cause I thought, like, oh, three to six months, three to six weeks. It's like, we're always on timeline with injuries. So whenever it's a mental injury or a physical injury that you're going through like that, with depression and anxiety, and nobody can give you a timeline. It feels like it's never ending. And I was like, I just don't understand. I should be fine by now.

[Simone Biles]

And doesn't that bring up sometimes, like, there's shame that comes with it. You're like, why the fuck is this not going through?

[Alex Cooper]

Yes.

[Jonathan Owens]

Because it's like, I'm not gonna wanna be in 10 years talking about this. And somebody's gonna be like, God, here she goes again.

[Simone Biles]

But it's like, but I do think you talking about it, Simone. And that's why I think it's really important how you say, this does not define you. But it's also important to show people when people are like, that's so sad that happened to someone. And then they move on with their lives. This is something that stays with people forever. And so to neglect the conversation of acting like it didn't happen. It did. And you are who you are, but it's a piece of you and it's a part of you. I also think that's such an interesting comparison of, like, if you mess up your ankle yeah, it's visible. You can feel it. You can't ignore it with trauma. Emotionally, you can shut that shit down and you can bury it so far.

[Jonathan Owens]

And that's the thing we're so good at as athletes, at doing that, too. And my. My therapist is like, just take it out of the box, Roll it out on the floor. Like, it's fine. Because we're so good at, like, depress. Depressing everything. So it's like, God, so for so long it's worked until it didn't anymore. And that's what you saw at the Olympics, a big old spill. And I was like, to me, I couldn't understand why that happened either. Cause I'm like, gymnastics. Like, what the heck is going on? Why is this happening? And then my therapist is like, well, we know why it happened. And I still have conversations with her to this day. And I'm like, hey, look, it's Olympic year. Did we figure out why that happened? And she's like, simone, we figured out why this has happened. I was like, are we sure? Are we sure?

[Simone Biles]

Really? Cause it can't happen again.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. But it's like, it wasn't just a mental injury that happened called the Twisties. It's, like, compressing all of this shit for so many years. It just unfolded, right? Like, you can't compress trauma that much longer. And I hate to be the person that blames it on something else, because I'd rather blame it on, like, I have a hangnail. Sorry, you can't vault, like. Or whatever it is.

[Simone Biles]

You're like. I wish I could say, like, yes.

[Jonathan Owens]

And at that point after I came out about it, they're like, she doesn't want to lose. And I was like, first of all, I almost broke my leg, but it's. Thankfully, I didn't break my leg. And I called my agent, and I was like, this is a mental injury that they can't see. Do they want me to wear a helmet? I'm like, because they couldn't see it. So they couldn't relate to it. They couldn't grasp it. It's not something that I could tell them. So that they could feel like if I broke my ankle, they'd be like, should I broke my ankle before, too. Like, I know how that feels. Of course you can't vault. But for a mental injury, nobody could understand it. So there were so many narratives thrown around, so many different excuses that were pushed onto me. And I think the shittiest part of all, at the Olympics, I have very good, like, senses, and I knew something was gonna go wrong. I couldn't pinpoint what it was or when it was gonna happen, but I just had this feeling deep down this is not gonna go the way I want it to. And I don't know why, but I have this deep, deep feeling like something's.

[Simone Biles]

Gonna happen to people that, I mean, aren't familiar. Yes. You went to the Tokyo Olympics, and I'm curious. Like, so you're saying you kind of knew. Like, when do you think you knew? Like, where were you mentally going into the Tokyo Olympics?

[Jonathan Owens]

I. I don't know, but I could feel something, and I felt myself. Besides all the pressure, because we deal with that as elite athletes, we have different tactics about how we're going to carry ourselves and how we're going to do whatever so that we can still compete to the best of our ability, you know? But there was something that I could feel that was gonna be out of my control, and I didn't know when it was gonna happen or what was gonna happen, but I was like. I just. I felt strange. But I'm not gonna tell anybody on the team that I'm a veteran. It's everyone's first times at the Olympics. Like, they're looking up to me, and I'm guiding them, taking them through the route. But, you know, nothing about that Olympics was normal anyways. We're having a pandemic. The whole world is shut down. Like, nothing about the Olympic Games was normal. And I feel for those athletes that might not ever be able to go to another Olympic Games, because that is not what the Olympics is about. In 2016, it was so much fun. The camaraderie, the team spirit. Everybody's rooting for everybody. I feel like that's world peace. Time stops. Doesn't matter what color you are, what religion you are, what you support, what you don't support. Everybody comes together to support their athletes and their country. So it was just very strange. But I could feel something like the wires weren't connected. Like, the red, the yellow, something was off.

[Simone Biles]

And in training up to Tokyo, did you feel that, too?

[Jonathan Owens]

A little bit. But we had been training so hard, and we were prepared. Like, we were so prepared. I've never been so prepared for an event in my life, obviously, besides 2016. But this felt like a different kind of prepared, and it felt a little bit more calm.

[Simone Biles]

Isn't that so crazy? As I'm listening to you, like, you're like, I'm on the plane ride to Tokyo, and I knew. Like, I knew something it's like something.

[Jonathan Owens]

That just, like, was weird and you.

[Simone Biles]

Didn'T know when, but, like, that's again, like, the body just telling you, like, something ain't right. Simone, we're not good. And you're like, push it down. We are fine.

[Jonathan Owens]

And to me, I was like, like, it's fine. Take your medicine. And some of the days we're asking my doctor, I'm gonna take two of my pills. I never take two of my pills. But I was like, something's coming up. It feels like I don't know what it is, but, like, I cannot control this. It is out of my control. So we're gonna control what we can control. Let's take your medicine. Maybe try 20 milligrams. Maybe try this. And it was just like, it was the weirdest experience. And whenever I look back at it, it doesn't seem real life, which maybe is a good thing, right?

[Simone Biles]

You're like, it's kind of like, it's.

[Jonathan Owens]

A good thing till everybody reminds me.

[Simone Biles]

No. As I'm sitting here being like, so let's talk about the team final in Tokyo. I'm curious. We know what happened. You get lost in the air during your vault, and everyone was shocked. But I'm curious, like, take me to the moment, literally, when you land on the mat, what is going through your mind?

[Alex Cooper]

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[Simone Biles]

Take me to the moment, literally when you land on the mat, what is going through your mind?

[Jonathan Owens]

Okay, I'll start from the back of the Runway. When we're standing there, let's go back to the Runway. So in the back, like, we already knew my gymnastics was kind of janky. Like in training, I was Having twisties already, but I'm trying to push past that. And I would literally tell my teammates, like, I'm fighting demons. I'm fighting demons right now. But I'm gonna do it for you guys because, like, it was the cords were not connected, so I literally felt like I was fighting my body and my mind to do these tricks. So we're trying to do some different things in the back. And I'm like, okay, I can't do a full and off beam. Can I please go back to my double double? Which is way harder, but I know if I twist more, it's better for me. So then we go to vault. Vault is feeling a little bit weird in the air. And you can see it like the girl. We ended on floor because we started on vault out there, so we end on floor. I go to do my first pass, and you can see in the air, like, you can ask the girls. It's not like my first pass is a triple double. And usually when you do it, you see my regular videos. You see one, you see two, you see three. This one, it looks like I'm going like this in the air, and it doesn't feel comfortable. I have no idea where I am, but I'm twisting like, praying, land on my feet, and they're like, that looks jacked up. You can tell all of the gymnasts in there from all of the countries are like, that's jacked up. That looks jacked up. It looks like she's never done this a day in her life. But they know it's a twisty, so people are kind of trying not to watch. We get out there and vault, and I was like, okay, it's fine. I warmed up everything. Like, it wasn't good, but I did it. And so we get out there on vault and we have a one touch warmup. Go over the table, do a one and a half. And I'm like, what the fuck? Like, what was that? And so I'm like, it's fine. And everybody's freaking out. I don't have another touch. So I have to go stand there until it's my turn to salute and go, I don't have another touch. So the girls are like, can you.

[Simone Biles]

Explain this to people that have no idea what gymnastics like? They're like, what do you.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes, gymnastics. Once we go out there, we usually have a one touch vault. And it is what it is. It's to warm up. You're usually sitting in the back for 40, 45 minutes. Come out, you get one turn to take to warm up your vault to perfection. And then you sit there and wait till it's your turn to salute. And, hey, I'm at the Olympics. You know, that's your debut before, you know. And so we go out there, and I do the one and a half, and my teammates are shook. They're like, are you okay? Are you okay? And I'm trying to convince myself I'm okay. So I don't need you asking me if I'm okay, because I'm okay. Listen, I'm okay.

[Simone Biles]

We're great.

[Jonathan Owens]

Like, everything is not okay, literally. And so they're like, you're fine. And I was like, I don't know why I did that. I don't know why. And I knew once I got up there, I'm chalking up. We can't put Jordan in yet. I have to go. I have to put up a score. No matter what it is over the table, I have to put up a score. So I'm chalking up. And you can see, if you watch the video, I'm like. Because I have no idea what I'm gonna do when I hit that table. And so in my head, I'm standing there, and I'm like, I'll just do the double pike, which I haven't warmed up in, like, four days. And I'm like, if I do a double pike over rotate it, it's fine. And then I was like, they put up a score for a two and a half, so I have to do a two and a half. And I'm thinking, if I do a double back that's so dangerous, my coach will kill me. My team will never forgive. And I saluted, and I was, like, praying to God, because I knew I was gonna do a vault, but I didn't know what I was gonna do. And I knew I was gonna try to do a two and a half, but I didn't know how many twists I was gonna make. And I just. Because I couldn't twist anymore. It's just like your body, your brain opens up, have no idea where you are. So I opened, landed like that. And as soon as I land, I kind of grin, and I'm like, shit. And I salute, and I want to run. If I could have gotten a plane and flown home, I would have done it. But I just. As soon as I landed, I was like, oh, America hates me. The world is gonna hate me. And I can only see what they're saying on Twitter right now. That was my first thought, Simone. I was like, holy shit. What are they gonna say about me? Because usually if you go to the Olympics and you flop or whatever it is, everybody on their couch eating those little chips, right?

[Simone Biles]

It's like, you let the country down.

[Jonathan Owens]

Oh, I was. I thought I was gonna be banned from America. Cause that's what they tell you. Don't come back. If it's not gold, gold or buzz, don't come back. And I was like, I don't. Thanks.

[Simone Biles]

Can we just pause? Also, like, you landing, and the first thing that you're thinking should have been, thank God I'm alive. Because you can severely hurt yourself in those moments. And you understandably, because this is such an athlete thing, it's like, praise everyone, get everything for everyone, and just, like, sacrifice my body at all costs. And you land on the mat and you're thinking, what is Twitter saying?

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. I was like, no, I'm gonna be one of those videos flops at the Olympics. Like, this is horrible. And I knew I couldn't recover. And I know how long the Twisties takes to get over, and I know it's not overnight.

[Simone Biles]

Can you explain also to people that aren't familiar, what is the Twisties?

[Jonathan Owens]

Okay, if I had to explain it in gymnastics terms, it still might not make sense. But it's basically like your mind and your body is at a disconnect. Your body is gonna try to do something, and your mind is gonna be like, no, you're not doing this. You're gonna open out. You're gonna do this. But it's the same as if, like, the best way I could describe it is every day you drive a car. If one day you woke up and you had no idea how to drive a car, your legs are going crazy, you have no control over your body. That's kind of how it feels like you've been doing something for so long and you now no longer have control. Terrifying because. Because we're in a car without any protection. I am my car. Like, so I would explain it as, like, the yips in golf or baseball or whatever it is. I'm not familiar with other sports, so if I'm wrong, correct me, but that's kind of how it feels like.

[Simone Biles]

So immediately when you get off the mat, what do you do?

[Jonathan Owens]

I go to tell my coach, and I said, I'm done. I'm not doing anymore. Because if I survive that, I don't know how much else I can survive. Like, I always say I'm a cat with nine lives, but I think that was my ninth. I'm done. And she's like, are you sure? And I was like, yes. Jordan, gear up. You're in. You're doing the rest of the meet. I'm not like, I can't do it.

[Simone Biles]

And are you, like, internally freaking out, but you're coming off?

[Jonathan Owens]

Just internally. But I didn't want to freak out in front of the girls.

[Simone Biles]

Got it.

[Jonathan Owens]

So I kept, like, as composed as I could have, and I was like, you guys got this. And then they just went. We went to the back just to get evaluated, like, mentally and physically, but we also didn't want to. I didn't want to scare the girl. So I was like, can we please go? And there's cameras. All the cameras rush over. And I was just like. Because I know it happened, but I also don't know what happened and why it happened. So we just went in the back. The girls are gearing up for bars. I come back out, and I was like, you guys got this. You'll be fine. Trust me. And they were like, no, we can't do this out without you. We're. We're not gonna win anymore. Da, da, da. They're freaking out because they also know what Twitter's gonna say if us doesn't win. And I was like, don't worry about it. You guys are here because you're the best in the world, and you will be like, go out there and do your job. But I think it was really hard on them because mentally, they lost their best player, the veteran. Like, I think it was really hard on them. So that's something that I'll never forgive myself for. For that whole entire experience, because I wish I could have been in there with them in a way that I was supposed to, physically putting up team scores, putting them. But after that, I became their loudest and best cheerleader. But I just wish it would have been contributing the way that it was supposed to happen.

[Simone Biles]

I think that's so hard. When you're an athlete, you understand that moment where you're like. You logically know there was nothing else you could have done.

[Jonathan Owens]

Nothing. Nothing.

[Simone Biles]

But your brain is illogical when you're in those moments.

[Jonathan Owens]

Of course.

[Simone Biles]

Yeah. With your teammates, where you're like, I will literally, like, die for this team right now.

[Jonathan Owens]

And that's what I was. That's what I was doing. That's what I was putting myself through in the back. And that's why I don't know how I made it that far through warmups, through competing. I don't know how I landed on my feet, and I Think that's what people don't realize is, like, that's not the vault that I was supposed to compete. I had a whole nother full twist that I was supposed to compete. So they're like, she didn't want to lose. And I was like, no, no, no, no, no. I'm not. Like, my pride is not that big. Like, you know what I'm saying? So at that point, it's like, you know what? I need to take care of myself, and I need to do what's right for my team. And, yeah, I need to let my pride not get in the way and push through this just to compete. To compete at the Olympics again. I need to go sit down, take a rest, see what's wrong mentally, and let's figure it out. But let's still give my team a chance of metal contention, because, again, what people also don't realize is if I got hurt on that vault, they couldn't replace me. So if I got hurt, since I'm on every event, it's two up, two count, we would have never won a medal. But since what happened, happened, we went to the back. At that point, they could rule it as a mental injury and all of that stuff and physical. We got to put Jordan in. People don't know that.

[Simone Biles]

What happened in the back? Did you just try to, like, what happened?

[Jonathan Owens]

Doctors came over. I had to talk to my family because they were watching the Olympics, and they see me get whisked to the back, so they thought I was hurt. And I'm like, yeah, I'm hurt. My heart is broken. Like, everything hurts, but my knees are fine. I'm like, my brain hurts. Everything. So I called my family, and it's so funny, because my sister was sleeping.

[Simone Biles]

No.

[Jonathan Owens]

Like, bitch, I'm at the Olympics. Why are you sleeping? But there's a time change, so I get it. But everybody's up in the house cheering for me. Simone, gear on. And my sister's like, I think I'll take a nap.

[Simone Biles]

I think I'll sit this one out. Simone's got it. So they wake her up.

[Jonathan Owens]

No. She heard the phone ring. Cause I called the home phone, and she said she was sleeping, and she felt something was wrong. She ran to the kitchen and said, I'll answer it, and saw my name on it.

[Simone Biles]

Oh, that's freaky.

[Jonathan Owens]

Freaky. And she answered, and she said, hello. And as soon as I heard her voice, I just. Just. I lost it.

[Simone Biles]

You're crying.

[Jonathan Owens]

I was like, I'm out. I'm done. Like. And she Was like, are you okay? And I was like, yeah. Can you hand the phone to Mom? Like.

[Simone Biles]

Like, mom, yeah.

[Jonathan Owens]

I'm like, come pick me up. I'm scared.

[Simone Biles]

Literally, mom, come pick me up. I'm scared. I'm in Tokyo, and you're back in the United States. What did your mom say?

[Jonathan Owens]

She was like, are you okay? Because that was her main concern. She thought I got hurt, of course. And at that point, like, yeah, I wish my toe was sticking on the side of my foot or my knees were cracked or something, because that would have been easier to explain.

[Simone Biles]

It's also just like, as an athlete, you're so right. It's like the feeling of trying. We're supposed to be the toughest.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

We're like, you're invincible. What do you mean? We can't see the injury. So you're fine?

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. And I'm like, yeah, sorry I came here. My brain just decided to have a malfunction and break.

[Simone Biles]

Yeah. How do you describe that to people? How do you tweet that one to the world?

[Jonathan Owens]

That's what I'm saying. But then whenever I really talked about it, and there were actually a lot of people that understood, and we got a lot of positive feedback, and that's why I was like, you know what? You're not gonna put me at the forefront of mental health, but again, if I can be a voice, let's go through this journey together, because I know, unfortunately, a lot of us are struggling, but let's walk this journey together, and let's go get healthy.

[Simone Biles]

Absolutely. What are your parents like on that call? Your mom's checking if you're okay. What is your dad like in those moments?

[Jonathan Owens]

My dad is always so calm and collected, it seems, so. He was probably like, oh, is she okay? But probably not even that concerned. He was probably like, is she okay? Okay. Okay. Like, I think that's just what he was doing. My mom was, like, a mess. I could hear her crying and breaking down, and that's what broke me, too. It's because also, I have so many people who have helped me get to where I was. And I felt like I didn't just let down myself. I let down that team that was there. I let down America. I let down my trainers. I let down. There were so many people that helped me get there. And that's why every time I get to compete for Team USA or I'm on top of that podium, I'm so grateful. And that medal's not just for me. It's for everybody that has Helped me get there. So it's like, at that point, it was really heavy. Cause I was like, I couldn't even. At that point, I couldn't even look at Laurent. Like, Cecile helped me so much, but I couldn't look at Laurent.

[Alex Cooper]

Why?

[Jonathan Owens]

I felt like I failed him. And I've never said that out loud. So it's like. And they've helped me get to that point because I never thought I was gonna do gymnastics. And so I felt like I let down Laurent.

[Simone Biles]

Now having met him, I get it.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

Like, he has such a incredibly high standard for you in the best way. And he's so, like, fierce and loyal.

[Jonathan Owens]

But, like, he doesn't let. He tries not to let anything get to him. And I knew that got to him.

[Simone Biles]

You ended up participating in the individual beam competition and won a bronze medal. Flash. How did you know you were okay to compete?

[Jonathan Owens]

I changed my routine because I didn't have to twist. Flipping wasn't necessarily the problem. It was flipping and twisting. And so one of the gyms there let me go train there, and I have, like, videos from that too. And so they let me change my dismount. And I've done a full in for, like, eight or, like, seven years or eight years. I hadn't done a double pike in, like, like, that long. So going back and trying to control that, and I kept over rotating. It was insane. I was so scared because my dismount is typically harder. And so I was like, okay, I can still do beam if we change my dismount. And we were able to change it. And at that point, I didn't think I was gonna meddle. I was like, I just wanna go out there, compete, because this is what I came here to do.

[Simone Biles]

But how do you even, like, mentally get yourself together to, like, after that moment with vault, like, it was like, four days later.

[Jonathan Owens]

Thank God you could just chill, because I pulled out of every final, but every time I pulled out of a final, I felt like it was another knife. Like, so I got to do beam, and I was really excited. And then, of course, a lot of people hated that. Oh, of course she's gonna do it for herself. And I was like, you don't see me twisting, do you? Still not twisting, but yeah, once the score came up, I was like, oh, thank God. Made a beam routine. And then we saw that I was gonna medal, and I hit Cecile and I said, what? What? I'm gonna a bronze. And after Rio, I got a bronze on beam, and I was shunned. And People were like, throw that metal away. You should have got a gold. Cause I did mess up. But there's no telling what the metal would have been. But I did mess up, so I ended up with a bronze. And so I was scarred from having a bronze medal because I never really talked about my bronze because people made me so ashamed of it in Rio. And so whenever I got that bronze, you couldn't tell me that it was bronze. It felt like a gold to me.

[Alex Cooper]

Right?

[Simone Biles]

You're like, I'm just happy I got a medal.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

I'm happy I got back out there.

[Simone Biles]

For people to be like, don't come home with that bronze. It's like, sorry, do you know how to do a cartwheel?

[Jonathan Owens]

That's what I'm saying.

[Alex Cooper]

Sorry.

[Simone Biles]

Who are you to say, don't come home with a bronze?

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah, it's crazy.

[Simone Biles]

I'll walk my ass back into America and happily raise it around. I'll take a bronze.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. So it's just like from one spectrum to the other, from having a real bronze to a Tokyo bronze. It's like polar opposites. Like, I'm swinging that thing around. People are like, you know, that's a bronze. I'm like, we got it. Let's go. You couldn't tell me that it was.

[Simone Biles]

A bronze because you got it. Like, God bless. Okay, take me to the plane ride. I'm picturing you. You're like, getting through these Olympics at this point. You get bronze. You're like, time to go back home. That's a long ass plane ride.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. I was mentally, physically exhausted, drained. I have nothing left, and I can't put on a face anymore. Like, I physically could not wait to land in Houston, and they made us go to New York to do, like, the Today show or. And so I got my hair and makeup done, whatever. Still putting on a great face. Because I'm like, all I want to do is hold my mom and cry. I want my mom. Like, I just want my mom.

[Simone Biles]

And, like, just for today. So, sweetie, smile.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And so as soon as we landed in Houston again, there was at the gate, so many cameras. So I still had to put on a face I couldn't break down. But I hugged my mom, and I just, like, felt comforted, but I couldn't break down till we got home. And guess what? When I got home, they threw a parade. And they're like, get ready, Simone. We have a parade through the neighborhood. Like, get your convertible.

[Simone Biles]

Smile and wave.

[Jonathan Owens]

I just wanted to have a, like, a breakdown, and I didn't want to have it. This mental breakdown. It was waiting.

[Simone Biles]

No, it is sitting in your chest. You're like, when can I sob? When can I sit in my bed for 3:48 hours and not leave and just sob?

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

And you had to do a parade.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah, parade. At that point, you're like, I just wanted to cry.

[Simone Biles]

Will the tears even come at this point? I mean, holding it.

[Jonathan Owens]

I just wanted to cry and be like, this was the shittiest thing ever. I don't know why it happened. I just wanted to sulk in my feelings and to be by myself. And I didn't want anybody to tell me that it was okay anymore because I'm tired of everybody telling me it's okay. It's okay to you. It's not okay to me. What happened was not okay. Like, so that was that.

[Simone Biles]

So when did you break down?

[Jonathan Owens]

Probably when I had to unpack that suitcase. And then I went on tour and I was hosting my own tour across America, Gold over America, which was absolutely amazing. The fans, the kids, beautiful. We put together an amazing production. But like, even before some of those shows, I had therapy. Say my. I can't recall what time our show started, but say it started at 7. I would be on therapy from like 4:30 to 6. And then I would give myself an hour to get ready. And some days Jordan would come in my room because I had my own room. I'd be bawling my eyes out, trying to put on my makeup because I'm talking to my therapist about the Olympic experience. Put on my face.

[Alex Cooper]

Woo.

[Jonathan Owens]

Hi. Gold over America. Love to see you like, crazy. It's like, yeah, it was fun and I will cherish every stop and every show that we got to put on.

[Simone Biles]

Totally.

[Jonathan Owens]

But it was just like behind the scenes, just nobody knew.

[Alex Cooper]

Well, no, and that's what I appreciate.

[Simone Biles]

You sharing that because it doesn't take away from. You had an amazing experience with those people. But it's like, again, shows the level of strength you have of like, you know, Simone Biles, the public person and what she needs to do to show up. But like, were you. And I don't want you to share what you're comfortable. Cause therapy is sacred. But like, in those sessions, are you going beat by beat or are you just talking about the overall feeling and experience?

[Jonathan Owens]

For me, since again, it was a new therapist. Oh my God.

[Simone Biles]

Is that good or bad timing?

[Jonathan Owens]

It was a new therapist and every time I'm with a new therapist, it feels a little bit uncomfortable. So I like to start by Saying, like, hey, I'm like an onion. Let's peel the layers. Like, I'm an open book anywhere else. But with trauma, it has to be by layers, because, listen, I still have to put on face. I still have to go do these shows. I don't. You know. So it was kind of layers by layers, but, like, the compartmentalizing that we do as an athlete and just as a human, I know a lot of us do. It was insane, and I don't know how I got through it. But honestly, I think the tour helped me get out there and realize there's more to life than gymnastics. And I honestly thought, since I didn't compete at the Olympics in the way that I was supposed to and that we didn't win gold, I thought nobody was going to show up to my tour stops. And night after night, it kind of filled my cup up because all of these girls and the fans came out. And I remember after a show, sometimes we get to see our family. But since COVID it wasn't too much family. But my family and some of the producers were at a show, and we were in the back. We were eating dinner after the show, and I broke down crying, and I was like, I cannot believe people are still showing up. Why are they showing up? We didn't win. And that's when I realized, like, holy crap, it's not about that. Yeah, but I always thought it was, because that was ingrained in my head, and that's what everybody told me.

[Simone Biles]

That's heavy.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. It was crazy. I've learned so much about myself in such different Olympic experiences that now having another Olympic year in a cycle, like, it's traumatizing in a way to walk into. But I feel like at this point, nothing can break me. It's like, I've just been through so much. So much trauma, so much healing. I'm actually excited to see what happens after this.

[Simone Biles]

I was gonna say, like, in a strange way. Cause I was thinking about. I'm actually, like. I feel like I can visualize oddly, like, that scene of you opening that suitcase.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

And just, like, sitting there with it in front of you of, like. And the emotions and everything you're feeling from what you just tried to run away from kind of is sitting there, going now to this new phase. It's a little traumatizing. You're right to be like, am I gonna do that again?

[Jonathan Owens]

Like, I'm gonna put myself through this.

[Simone Biles]

Right.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

When you were home, when was the first time you tried the vault again? Like, did you Go immediately into the gym. What was the situation?

[Jonathan Owens]

That's what I wanted to do. But since we had tour, there was no way for me to really get into a gym and. And train like that. But I was so traumatized. So after tour, I kind of put it under the rug. That's for another time. I would go into the gym and train. Like, play around. I wouldn't say train. I would go into the gym, go see the girls, and I would just go jump on the trampoline and do backflips. Back tucks, like people call backflips. That's why I'm saying backflips. But I would go do back tugs. And even that felt kind of weird because I'm like, whoa. But I hadn't done that in a year because I took off a year or more, and every time I went to the gym, it was kind of traumatizing. And so every time, I'd flip. I just like flashbacks to Tokyo. Oh, I'm gonna get lost. I'm gonna get lost. And Laurent would always come over, and he's like, okay, go into the pit. Let's do a full. And I'm like, I'm here to see the girls. I just wanted to jump on the tramp.

[Simone Biles]

You're like, I'm just, like, here to jump on the tramp.

[Alex Cooper]

Calm down.

[Jonathan Owens]

He would make me twist and go back to the basics. And I wasn't even training. I literally would just come visit, and he didn't want me to have that feeling because. And before that, I would watch masks on tv, and the girls would be twisting, and I'd be, like, cringing. I'd be like, oh, my God. Oh, my God. I'm gonna throw up. I can't. Cause I can't picture myself doing it because I took so much off.

[Simone Biles]

What was the lowest point of the entire Tokyo aftermath and experience?

[Jonathan Owens]

I would say it wasn't even in Tokyo, unfortunately. I think it's whenever I decided to come back and train in getting over those demons, because there were so many days I would come back in the gym, and it was like, one step forward, five steps back. One step forward, five steps back. Because as soon as I got lost one time, get lost, pack my bags. I'm out of there. Why am I putting myself through this? Hell no. So I would literally, like, I left so many times. It was frustrating for both me and Laurent because he didn't fully understand the twisties. And for a lot of the time, as gymnasts, we know it happens, but it's Very unspoken of. And whenever it happens, you pretend it doesn't happen.

[Simone Biles]

Why is that?

[Jonathan Owens]

It's not a good feeling. It's dangerous. It's, like, horrible. It's scary.

[Simone Biles]

But you don't want to speak up because then you're like, I don't want to be out.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. And then the other girls will look at you and they feel like once you get lost, it's going to happen to them.

[Simone Biles]

Got it.

[Jonathan Owens]

So it feels contagious.

[Simone Biles]

Interesting.

[Jonathan Owens]

So whenever they were looking at me and doing it, it just, like, it's so weird. And so we. Yeah, we had to go back to the basics. And honestly, like, the whole year, whenever Laurent, last year, he told me I was competing, I was like, how can I compete? I'm not over the twisties yet. Because every time I went to bars or beam or floor, I was praying that I did the amount of twist I was supposed to. Like, I was so traumatized for this experience that I'm just now feeling better. And even walking into the gym some days, I feel like I'm gonna get lost because I know why it happened. But, like, I'm like, I hope that's the reason.

[Simone Biles]

Right.

[Jonathan Owens]

So, yeah, even I'm just now feeling comfortable without. Yeah. So it's crazy because, like, I went through World Championships. Everybody's like, she's back. And, like, if we would have had one more day of World Championships, I think just mentally from convincing myself that I can do it so many times and you're fine. Twisting, twisting. I think I would have just broke down and been like, I just can't. Like, mentally, I couldn't do it anymore. Not physically. I think physically I would have been able to do it, but if there were one more day of World, I wouldn't have done it.

[Simone Biles]

Cause it's. I think what people I hope understand is, like, there's this mental taxing aspect of, like, when you fail at something, you can't unsee it.

[Jonathan Owens]

Exactly.

[Simone Biles]

You can't unfeel it. So you're trying to remove yourself and you're trying to push it as far away as possible, but your brain has experienced it once. So you need to be so mentally strong to lock that so far in the corner.

[Jonathan Owens]

But it's hard. Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

So when did you approach your coaches and say, I want to come back?

[Jonathan Owens]

It was kind of funny because the conversation didn't go how I thought it was going to go. And so I think I requested a meeting or whatever with Cecile and Laurent, and we ended up at their house and brought my Husband, you know, my little blankie. And I was like, okay, I want to go back to the Olympics. I want to do that. And they're sitting across the table, and they look at me, and they're like, no. And I was like, ah, I just told you I want to go to the Olympics. Like, I want to go back to the Olympics. Let's do this.

[Simone Biles]

Wait, like, scream for me.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And they were like, no. And I was like, what's happening? I'm like, what's going on? And they were like, no. You've set expectations for yourself for so long. Let's just go back in the gym, get in shape, and see what happens. And I was like, so we're not going to the Olympics? We're not training for the Olympics.

[Simone Biles]

You're like, we ain't going to Paris? Yes. Like, what do you mean?

[Jonathan Owens]

And so that was really weird to me, because I thought they were gonna be on board. Like, yes, we have the process laid out. Da, da, da, da, da. Let's go. And they just said, no. And I was like, hmm, do I get new coaches? What's going to happen? And I was like, oh, you're right. And he was like, let's not just think about the Olympics right now. Let's think about maybe getting your skills back, twisting comfortably again, doing this. And I was like, oh, oh, those things.

[Simone Biles]

Oh, okay, fine.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

But then can we go to the Olympics?

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And that's kind of how we started it. And then I didn't think I was competing at Classics last year. And he was like, yeah, you're competing. Here's your Leos, here's this, here's that. I was like, what? No, we weren't going to the Illinois.

[Simone Biles]

So I can officially ask and you can confirm, like, the goal is to go to Paris.

[Jonathan Owens]

If all goes well, I'm training. Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

The goal is to go to Paris.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Simone Biles]

So if you're going to Paris, how are you approaching the Games differently compared to previous years?

[Jonathan Owens]

I think just working on my mind and my body more than I have, or continuing to work on my body and my mind just like I have the past year and a half, and it's worked. And so to just stay on top of that, it's exhausting. But, like, I have to do it. It's working. I didn't think therapy was gonna work, and it's working.

[Simone Biles]

So therapy is the most incredible thing that I have always said to people. Like, you do, though, need to get into it when you're ready.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Simone Biles]

It's like, so many people can tell you to go. And if you're. Your body and brain is not ready to go. It's not even gonna penetrate. You're gonna be like, I don't feel shit.

[Jonathan Owens]

This is. Yeah. And you're not gonna open up, you're not gonna talk. You're not gonna be vulnerable. You're not gonna let those demons out. So it worked out for the better.

[Simone Biles]

I think I saw an interview of you where you were like. Which I kind of loved. You were like, people ask you your goals if you're, you know, for the Olympics. And you're like, I'm not sharing my goals because I'm so sick of people then, like, shoving them in my face if I don't hit it. And I think that that's good for you to set boundaries with press. Can I ask, though, like, a personal. Like, not having to do with gymnastics, a personal goal, mentally for you that you're going to carry through.

[Jonathan Owens]

I would say to keep up with my therapy, even on those hard days, because I have dodged a couple of tests.

[Simone Biles]

Oh, yeah. You're like, sorry, I'm, like, a little busy. That's so relatable.

[Jonathan Owens]

You're like, and she knows I have my days off, so I do it the same day every time maybe. And she's like, simone? Simone, are you there?

[Simone Biles]

And I was like, no, sorry, I'm not here. That's the worst. When your therapist calls you, I'm like, jim's like, why? I know you're free. And you're like, no, I'm not. They're like. And those are the ones that always get mad at you. Cause they're like, those are the sessions you need the most.

[Jonathan Owens]

That's what she shows me. But, you know, my phone's on do not disturb.

[Simone Biles]

You're like, I can't hear you.

[Jonathan Owens]

I miss it. I'm like. But I feel so guilty and so ashamed.

[Simone Biles]

I do, too. When I ghost my therapy. Is there anything more toxic than ghosting your therapist? You're a little, like, this is, like, the most toxic. Cause it's the healthiest relationship.

[Jonathan Owens]

Thank you.

[Simone Biles]

But, like, so toxic.

[Jonathan Owens]

So bad.

[Simone Biles]

Sometimes you just. You can't.

[Jonathan Owens]

We need a break.

[Simone Biles]

Sometimes I don't want to talk my feelings too much.

[Jonathan Owens]

And sometimes it's, like, exhausting. I just feel like a record on repeat. And again, it goes back to, like, I feel like I should be healed by now. Now you're shoving this down my throat.

[Simone Biles]

I hope you and I know this, too. To anyone going through mental health situations or survivors, whatever it is, it is not on you to speed up the process of recovery from trauma that was not your fault. And so it's hard to. Again, as athletes, you're trained to get over things so quickly. But this is one thing. You have to rewire your brain to be like, it's okay to feel this and don't shove it away. Call your therapist, talk it through.

[Jonathan Owens]

No, 100%. And I agree. And I think I've learned that with my therapy over the years. So I am very grateful that I'm in therapy and thankful for the resources we have. Because before this, like, no athlete was very outspoken about doing therapy or this, that the other, or even just getting help. So we are in a very fortunate situation that, that we're able to do that and we're allowed to be vulnerable with our fans and with our community. So I guess I just want to say thank you to them too, because without them, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. So.

[Simone Biles]

Okay, this is still Call Her Daddy. So I want to talk about your husband. You're married to an NFL player, Jonathan Owens.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Simone Biles]

You are married to an NFL player, Jonathan Owens, you met on Raya, which first I just want to say, like, God bless you because I had no luck. Okay, Girl, like, Raya was just doing nothing for me but like DJs in Australia.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

So good for you.

[Jonathan Owens]

You didn't have.

[Simone Biles]

I had no luck.

[Jonathan Owens]

I could have put your set. I could have changed your.

[Alex Cooper]

Thank you.

[Simone Biles]

Okay, well, your settings were off. Were they?

[Jonathan Owens]

Kathleen, check 5,000 to 100 miles.

[Simone Biles]

Listen, I had enough of my days with athletes, okay, Simone? I had to move on. What made his profile stand out?

[Jonathan Owens]

I think first of all, boys are so different from girls because, like, we're picking the cutest backgrounds, the most aesthetically looking pictures, like, and I wanted him to see, I didn't want to really show that I was a gymnast, so I didn't want to put like a gymnastics gymnasticy picture in there. Unless he had to click on my Instagram and then see, I was a gymnast. So I didn't want them that to be the first impression. So I was like, okay, face, not that much makeup, this, that, the other. But what stood out on his profile was just like, he seemed so charismatic. He had these little dimples, you know, the light eyes. And I was like, oh, he's so cute. And I think he had his bulldog on there. He Has a dog. This is so cute.

[Simone Biles]

That's how I mean. Note to men listening. Even if you don't own a dog, take a picture with the dog and put it on your profile, because it won't work.

[Jonathan Owens]

To me, if he had a dog, that meant he was responsible.

[Simone Biles]

I love that you think that is the first thing. I mean, while I'm like, oh, he's so cute. Is that him laughing back there or someone's laughing.

[Jonathan Owens]

But listen. Then I went to his profile, and I didn't know it was his nephew. And I was like, he has a kid. Oh, no.

[Simone Biles]

You thought he had a kid.

[Jonathan Owens]

I thought he. He had a kid. But then, you know, my soccer skills. Our soccer skills.

[Simone Biles]

30 seconds. You figure it out.

[Jonathan Owens]

Figured it out. You figured out everyone.

[Simone Biles]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course. So it was okay. When did you start to realize he was the one you. I know. I know, actually.

[Jonathan Owens]

And this is so cliche because everybody says this, but, like, the first time I met him, I came home from, like, our little date and stuff, and my friends were at my house, and I was like, like, I'm gonna marry him. Like, who says that? I don't know why I said that. I don't know what it is, but I just felt something. It would just, like, what?

[Simone Biles]

Like, the energy or.

[Jonathan Owens]

The energy how? Well we got along. And, like, it was a Covid relationship. It was like March of 2020, whenever I went over, I had to go to his apartment to meet him. It wasn't in a public setting, and we knew it didn't want to be public because we're both, like, public fig. They just take pictures, whatever. But to go to his apartment, I was like, for a first date. But we had no other choice. Everything was really shutting down in our city. Like, that week. Everything was starting to shut down. And so for me, I was like, let's just do a play date with the bulldogs. And he was like, cause I have a bulldog, too. And he was like, well, no, because then we'll be distracted by the dogs. And for me, I kind of sometimes like distractions that's away from me so that, like, if it's awkward, I'm like, oh, my dog. Look at her.

[Simone Biles]

The dog is sitting on the floor.

[Jonathan Owens]

Literally. So he was like, no, not for the first date. Then we'll introduce them. And I was like, oh, okay, Cute. But then I walked in, and his dog was so excited, he peed all over the floor. That's how, you know, I was like, maybe girls aren't here very often.

[Simone Biles]

Great sign.

[Jonathan Owens]

You've never seen a girl. The dog has never met a girl.

[Simone Biles]

Context clues. Simone, you're genius. You're like, they've never seen a woman. Or even the delusion. You're like, they've never seen a woman. The delusion. What is married life like to me?

[Jonathan Owens]

I mean, God, we were together the whole entire time. And then as soon as we get married, Green Bay's like, hey, we want to sign him. So we went from our wedding, dropped our bags, flew out the next morning, signed to Green Bay, and they were like, see you Monday, Jonathan. So as soon as we got married, it was long distance, so it was very different. Now he's back home. Now we're getting back into the groove of things because we're both on our schedules, we're both athletes. And I think that's what is so nice about our relationship is, like, we get to focus on our sports, respectively, and then we get to focus on each other. But it's no different. We're still dating. You know, we're about to be four years in. So, yeah, married life is no different.

[Simone Biles]

Okay, Jonathan, if you're listening, I don't even know if he's in this house yet.

[Jonathan Owens]

I think he is.

[Simone Biles]

We have to talk about the viral moment. Like, we have to do it. I'm hearing you. I have to. I have to. Jonathan's viral interview where he said he had no idea who you were, and the Internet went insane. What was your reaction when you heard the interview and everything?

[Jonathan Owens]

I was in the room. I was sitting on the chair. You just couldn't see me on the video. I was there for the whole entire video.

[Simone Biles]

And you were feeling great. I was feeling great.

[Jonathan Owens]

I was like, my man just killed that. And I was like, stop, Stop. And I'm so excited. And, like, they even panned over to me with that viral moment, and I just, like, roll my eyes and laugh because, like. But the funny thing is, is whenever I met Jonathan, we were texting that week, and I. At that point, I'm like, okay, I don't have time to waste. So if we're gonna meet. Cause if it goes over a week, you're not meeting, like, forget the. You know. And so we met that week. But whenever I would text him, anything I text him, he would say, I can do that. I can do that. So he could do everything. He was a comedian. He was a dog trainer. He was the best cook out there. He was the fastest runner. He could do everything. And that cracked me up about him. So I couldn't Wait to meet him to be like, you're not funny. You're not a good cook.

[Simone Biles]

You're not shit.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. Literally. So I just thought that was. Was funny because. And I thought that was cute that he thought he was good at everything. Because I'm like, I'm good at gymnastics. And he's like, I'm good at everything. And so whenever we did that. He did that interview, I thought everything was okay.

[Simone Biles]

I'm dying.

[Jonathan Owens]

And then I go on Twitter, and everybody's like, divorce this man. He's mean. And I'm like, he's the sweetest. He, like, he praises the ground that I walk on. Like, truly, I've never met a man like him. He still opens my doors. He still. And I'm not saying that to be like, he still opens my doors because that's to be expected of men, but, like, he truly goes out of his way to do anything for me. Today I was like, babe, I'm at the gym and I forgot my camera. Can you bring it? And I meant to bring it to this house.

[Simone Biles]

He brought it to the gym.

[Jonathan Owens]

Like, he's just so sweet, right?

[Simone Biles]

He's just doing things like you. You feel like. And you feel supported.

[Jonathan Owens]

And I didn't think anything of that interview. And he never said I wasn't a catch. He said he was a catch because he is. I've never met a man like him. A lot of people that meet him are like, oh, my gosh. Like, I want a man like that. Like Jonathan. Like, a lot of the girls at the gym, they love him. He's so nice to them. He supports them. He's so sweet. One of the girls at the gym, she's like my little sister. And we had gone to. I think we were at camp, and I always drive her to camp. So she drops her car off at my house, and she parks it in the driveway. He got her windows tinted. He was like, you can't be fishbowling out here and got her windows tinted. Like, he's the sweet.

[Simone Biles]

Like he's thinking of the little things.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes.

[Simone Biles]

I think what's crazy is, first of all, just as we know the Internet, like, you never know what's gonna go.

[Jonathan Owens]

Viral, and they'll take it and run, and that's exactly what they did.

[Simone Biles]

Why do you think people got so upset?

[Jonathan Owens]

Because he wasn't. First of all, that interview had nothing to do with me. It was all for him. So I think they were mad that he didn't include me in the interview, but he has to have his Moments, too. And I let him have it whenever I go to football games. Like, sometimes I get field passes, but I'm not like, hey, look at me. Simone Biles is here. I just want to see my man in that uniform. Give me a little kiss good luck out there. It's like, this is his moment. That's his interview. What was I supposed to interrupt that interview and be like, hey, da, da.

[Simone Biles]

Da, da, da, Right? Like, you're like, I actually like that. You're like, sometimes I'm like, I want to have my wag moment on the field where I'm just like, I'm not Simone Biles, the Olympian. I'm just Simone Biles. Like, and that's my boo on the field.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And I love to support him. So I think that they were mad that whenever they said he.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Jonathan Owens]

And by the way, like, he said it, but Brian Clark, like, said it so many times, like. Yeah, so you're saying. So it was kind of hyped up, you know, boys, whatever. Like, those conversations or drinking their little tequila, whatever it is. So I think that was the thing. If it was that girls moment. It's just different. That was, like, their Fireside chat that they're outside hanging with the boys, whatever. Like, there was no. There was nothing foul about it when.

[Simone Biles]

That was all going crazy and trending. What are you guys saying to each other?

[Jonathan Owens]

I thought it was hilarious what people were saying, divorce him. Divorce him. All this crazy stuff. And, like, he doesn't even like to say divorce. He's probably dying right now that I've said it, like, six times in a row.

[Simone Biles]

Divorce?

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah, literally, divorce. Because, like, that's whatever. So I thought it was hilarious at first, and then they hurt my feelings. And then, like, one night, I got broke. I broke down, and I'm like, why are you guys talking about my husband like this? Like, you don't know him. You don't know who he is. And if anybody's met him, they know he's the sweetest guy and will do anything for anybody.

[Simone Biles]

It was just perceived in not the correct way.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yes. And so that really hurt that they were talking about my husband like that. Because for me, it's like, talk about me all you want, but don't come for my family. Never.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Jonathan Owens]

Like, because I've been in the limelight long enough where I can brush things off, have my little powwow about it. You're not gonna know I cried about it, but I'd be crying about some stuff, you know? But I'm also. I Only cry about it because I can't clap back. Just know that.

[Simone Biles]

Why not? Why couldn't you?

[Jonathan Owens]

I hurt their feelings.

[Simone Biles]

You're like, you don't want me to clap that.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah. And it's just, like, classy, you know? Classy. Yes. Because whenever I was younger, I used to have Twitter fingers, too.

[Simone Biles]

Oh, right.

[Jonathan Owens]

Like my agent, like, Simone, can you take that down?

[Simone Biles]

No, no.

[Jonathan Owens]

You know, because I would go off on people, because who are you to say? And so every now and then if I say something, it's like, slick and clever, but I can really go there.

[Simone Biles]

Yeah, you just. You're just like. It's better to.

[Jonathan Owens]

Not exactly. Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

Okay. Jonathan has never.

[Jonathan Owens]

They're in the drafts. Yeah, yeah, we're in the drafts.

[Simone Biles]

You draft them and you never send them.

[Jonathan Owens]

Because if I at least send them, I feel better. Everyone's got it.

[Simone Biles]

I hope someone hacks your Twitter and just rips. Can you imagine? We're like, damn. Damn. Because they're, like, quoted, literally. Okay. Jonathan has never gotten to go to the Olympics before with you. Yeah. What are you most excited about for him to experience?

[Jonathan Owens]

Well, hopefully he gets to go because that's usually, like, their training camp. No. And he's working on a new contract, so hopefully he'll work in his new contract at least, like, two days, like, even if it's, like, hey, personal day. But some teams are really, really nice about, like, if you work with their family relations. Some are more family oriented than others, so fingers crossed we'll get to see him in the stands. So I'm excited for him to see that one. I'm excited to see him to see the Olympics, because football's not in the Olympics. And he always says it's, like, the harder sport. It's universal. And I'm like, so why isn't it in the Olympics if not every country does it, period? But no, just to see that spirit. And I'm at Paris. I think they'll do a beautiful job. And he doesn't travel overseas too. Too much. The first time he went overseas was like, when I think he was on the Texans and they went to London. Like, he had to get a passport. He never had a passport. Passport before.

[Simone Biles]

Oh, so you're like, come with me, babe. Let me show you the world.

[Alex Cooper]

Literally.

[Simone Biles]

Literally. Okay. Regardless of what happens in Paris.

[Jonathan Owens]

Yeah.

[Simone Biles]

What do you hope your legacy is?

[Jonathan Owens]

To be an advocate for anything that I've been outspoken about. Mental health, foster care, adhd, whatever that is, but also just. Just someone that gave it her all, never gave up, but also had fun and enjoyed her career. Because I think a lot of times athletes might look back at their career and be like, I wish I had more fun, or I wish I did this differently. But I'm kind of at the age where I've been. I don't really have any more regrets because I'm a little bit older. I'm more mature. Everything I've done has kind of been on, like, my time. So I don't have regrets.

[Simone Biles]

I think that is so beautiful. And I think first I would just like to thank you because hearing so much of what you're talking about, like, you are so perceived on the Internet and there's so much pressure and there's. It's difficult to open up and sit and be honest and vulnerable. And I appreciate you trusting me with your story and this experience because I am such a huge fan of yours. And I think you are. You are so much more than gymnastics, but you are kickass, badass as a gymnast, obviously the greatest of all time. So I just cannot wait to see what's next for you. And I don't just mean obviously the Olympics. Like just your life and your career and Simone Biles and I love you. Congrats. Congrats. Oh my God. We did it. Yay.

[Alex Cooper]

Hi Daddy gang, it is your father. I am so excited that Color Daddy has officially joined the Sirius XM family. I cannot wait to talk to new guests and continue to share my crazy personal stories and experiences with you every single week. If you want to hear new episodes ad free, subscribe to Sirius XM Podcasts on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. Your new beginning starts now. Dr. Horton has new construction homes available in Ellensburg and throughout the greater Seattle area. With spacious floor plans, flexible living spaces and home technology packages, you can enjoy more cozy moments and sweet memories in your beautiful new home. With new home communities opening in Ellensburg and throughout the Seattle area, Dr. Horton has the ideal home for you. Learn [e-mail] Dr. Horton, America's builder and equal housing opportunity builder. DQ presents how to hit summer's sweet spot. The new DQ Summer Blizzard Treat menu is here. And as the official treat of mlb, we're swinging big with our fan favorite S' Mores Blizzard Treat. Plus new mixing bowl mashup with brownie batter and chocolate chip cookie dough. And even more in our stacked summer line. Hurry in today because nothing says summer like baseball. And our new Summer Blizzard Treat menu right now at dq. Happy tastes good participation may vary.

[Jonathan Owens]

Major League Baseball Trademarks used with permission.