In the turquoise embrace of Belize’s pristine waters, Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles has traded the intensity of training mats and social media storms for sun-soaked serenity. The 28-year-old powerhouse, who has redefined what’s possible in women’s gymnastics with her record-breaking feats, recently shared a series of breathtaking Instagram photos from a romantic getaway with her NFL star husband, Jonathan Owens. The images, captioned simply “Baddie in Belize,” mark Biles’ first social media post in over a month, signaling a much-needed respite following a whirlwind of personal and professional challenges.
The photos, posted on July 25, 2025, capture Biles in her element—radiant, unapologetic, and utterly glamorous. Lounging against a backdrop of palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear lagoons, she strikes pose after pose in a sleek black and brown Fendi string bikini that hugs her athletic frame like a second skin. One shot shows her perched elegantly on a wooden dock, a vibrant cocktail in hand, her signature thick gold chain necklace catching the sunlight as she peers over stylish black sunglasses. Her smile is effortless, a far cry from the furrowed brow she’s worn in recent public appearances. In another frame, she dips a toe into the gentle waves, her toned legs—honed from years of flips, vaults, and beam balances—gleaming under the tropical sun.
But it’s the inclusion of Owens that adds a layer of intimacy to the escapade. The 29-year-old Chicago Bears safety makes a subtle yet swoon-worthy cameo in one of the snapshots, dressed in casual summer attire: a loose white tank top and board shorts, his muscular build on full display as he stands protectively behind his wife. The couple, who tied the knot in a lavish Cabo San Lucas ceremony in 2023 after a whirlwind courtship, exude the kind of easy chemistry that comes from navigating life’s highs and lows together. Owens wasted no time chiming in on the post, dropping a heart-eyed comment: “You so fine baby.” It’s the kind of affectionate nod that has fans shipping the pair harder than ever.
The response from Biles’ 10.3 million Instagram followers was immediate and effusive. “You look unreal,” gushed one admirer, while another declared, “Baddie in Belize for real!” A third chimed in with “Belize babe,” capturing the collective envy for this idyllic slice of paradise. For many, the photos aren’t just a vacation flex; they’re a reminder of Biles’ resilience. After all, this isn’t just any couple’s holiday—it’s a deliberate pause in lives defined by relentless schedules and spotlight scrutiny.
Biles and Owens’ relationship has always been a masterclass in balancing act. She, the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 world and Olympic medals, including a triumphant return at the 2024 Paris Olympics where she clinched three golds despite past mental health struggles. He, a rising NFL defensive back who inked a lucrative four-year, $28 million deal with the Bears last offseason, fresh off a Super Bowl chase with the Green Bay Packers. Their worlds collide in the off-seasons, but the demands of elite competition often pull them apart. Owens reports to Chicago Bears training camp in just a few weeks for the 2025 season, a grueling regimen of drills, film study, and team bonding that will once again test their bond.
“I’ve sacrificed a lot for us,” Biles admitted in a candid interview earlier this year, reflecting on the long-distance stretches that have defined much of their marriage. From her base in Houston, Texas, where she trains with the World Champions Centre, to Owens’ road games across the Midwest, the couple has leaned on video calls, surprise visits, and unwavering support to keep the flame alive. This Belize trip, timed perfectly at the tail end of summer, feels like a reward for those efforts—a chance to unplug, recharge, and simply be. Belize, with its barrier reef teeming with colorful fish and secluded cayes perfect for snorkeling, was an inspired choice. Known as the “Jewel of the Caribbean,” the Central American gem offers a blend of adventure and luxury that aligns with the couple’s high-octane lifestyles. Imagine dawn yoga sessions on the sand, sunset catamaran cruises, and lazy afternoons exploring Mayan ruins hand-in-hand—pure bliss for two athletes who live for the thrill.
Yet, this vacation arrives on the heels of a stormier chapter for Biles, one that thrust her back into the cultural crosshairs. Just weeks before jetting off, the gymnast deactivated her X (formerly Twitter) account amid a heated online feud with conservative activist and former swimmer Riley Gaines. The clash erupted over the contentious issue of transgender women competing in female sports, a debate that has raged through headlines from the Olympics to college athletics. Gaines, a vocal critic of policies allowing trans athletes like Lia Thomas to compete in women’s categories, accused Biles of hypocrisy after the gymnast defended inclusivity in a now-deleted tweet.
What started as a policy disagreement quickly turned personal. Gaines labeled Biles a “bully” for her sharp-tongued response, while Biles fired back, calling Gaines’ stance divisive and outdated. The exchange drew thousands of comments, with supporters on both sides digging in. Biles, who has been an outspoken advocate for mental health and body positivity in sports, later issued a public apology on Instagram Stories, expressing regret for her “personal” remarks. “I let my emotions get the best of me,” she wrote, adding that while she stands by her beliefs, she aims to foster dialogue rather than division. The backlash was swift and multifaceted—some praised her vulnerability, others decried it as weakness. In the end, stepping away from X was Biles’ way of reclaiming her peace, a move that echoed her 2021 decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her well-being.
This isn’t Biles’ first brush with controversy, but it’s a testament to her growth. The woman who once faced online trolls questioning her hair, her power, and her patriotism has learned to set boundaries without apology. Her marriage to Owens has been a steadying force in this evolution. The couple first connected on Raya, the exclusive dating app for celebrities, in 2020 amid the pandemic. What began as flirty DMs blossomed into a partnership built on mutual admiration—Owens calling Biles his “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) long before they were official. Their wedding, attended by fellow Olympians and NFL stars, was a fairy-tale affair complete with fireworks and a custom cake tower. Owens even got a tattoo of Biles’ Olympic rings on his arm, a permanent emblem of his devotion.
As the Bears gear up for what promises to be a breakout year—Owens is tipped for All-Pro honors with his knack for bone-crushing tackles—Biles eyes her own horizons. Whispers of a coaching role or even a Broadway stint swirl, but for now, she’s savoring the quiet. This Belize idyll isn’t just a break; it’s a blueprint for how the couple sustains their spark amid the chaos. In a world that demands perfection, Biles’ bikini photos whisper a different message: Strength isn’t just in the somersaults—it’s in the sips of piña coladas, the shared sunsets, and the unfiltered joy of loving fiercely.
Fans, scrolling through those envy-inducing feeds, can’t help but root for more such moments. After the Gaines dust-up, the time apart, and the endless grind, Simone Biles deserves this. And if Owens’ comment is any indication, he’s right there with her—fine, fabulous, and forever in her corner.
