Seven-time Olympic champion Simone Biles has revealed she suffered a health scare, describing the experience as “almost dying”.
American Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, made a series of Instagram story posts about “one of, if not the scariest experience of my life” and said she was resting in bed.
Her posts included pictures of hospital bracelets on her wrist and a screenshot of a heart-rate monitor.
The 29-year-old did not share details of exactly what happened and wrote she would “explain sooner or later”.
She also publicly replied to a fan on X to clarify that it had been a “health” issue.
BBC Sport has contacted Biles’ representatives and USA Gymnastics.
“I’m not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today’s age,” she wrote in her original Instagram story post.
“But almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week.
“This was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life.”
She added: “Especially since Jonathan was in Indy for practices,” referring to her husband Jonathan Owens, who is in pre-season training with NFL side Indianapolis Colts.
Continuing the message she said: “I’ve been in bed resting this week.
“I’ll explain sooner or later but s/o [shoutout] to my close circle who reached out, checking, visited and or sent flowers. Love y’all.”
Her post also featured photos of bouquets of flowers and finished with a photo of two dogs on a bed, with the caption “I’ll be here” and the heart rate screenshot.
At Paris 2024, Biles won golds in team, all-around and vault – and a silver in floor.
Her haul contributed to a total of 41 World Championship and Olympic medals which qualify her to be considered one of the greatest all-time female athletes.
A pioneer in her sport, she has invented several technical skills which have been performed by other gymnasts and are known as ‘the Biles’.
Biles made her Olympic debut aged 19 at Rio 2016 and has appeared at two further games. She previously said she was unsure whether she would compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
By BBC Sports
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