Simone Biles declared her recent near-death experience has “shifted [her] perspective”.
Simone Biles’ near-death experience has changed her life.
The Olympic gymnast cryptically declared earlier this month that “almost dying wasn’t on [her] bingo card” and she reflected on how the mystery incident has “shifted [her] perspective” as she responded to criticism of her going on vacation with husband Jonathan Owens.
An Instagram user had posted under one of her holiday pictures: “Almost died but look at these traveling selfies….”
Declaring the criticism made her “sad”, Simone replied: “A little over two weeks ago, I experienced a serious medical emergency that could have ended very differently and this trip has been part of allowing myself to heal and appreciate being here.
“I hope you understand that life changing experiences can shift your perspective, and that you’re able to extend a little more grace to others moving forward have a nice day!(sic)”.
Fans were worried after the seven-time Olympic gold medallist took to her Instagram Stories on June 6 and posted a shot of her arm covered in multiple hospital bracelets, describing the ordeal as one of the “scariest experiences” of her life.
Simone wrote alongside the worrying picture: “I’m not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today’s age, but almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card this week.
“This was one of, if not the, scariest experience of my life.”
The 29-year-old gymnast struggled through the week as football safety Jonathan, 30, was away with the Indianapolis Colts, training for the NFL pre-season.
But she thanked her friends and family for their support.
Simone concluded: “Jonathan was in Indy for practices. I’ve been in bed resting this week.
“I’ll explain sooner or later but s/o to my close circle who reached out, checked in, visited + or sent flowers. Loooovveeee y’all (sic).”
The sports star later posted a picture of various floral gifts she had received, a photo of her bed with her two dogs, and a screenshot that featured a monitor’s reading of her resting heart rate.
Simone’s caption read: “I’ll be here.”
After winning gold at the 2013 World Gymnastics Championships in Belgium at the age of 16, she became the most decorated gymnast in history.
But Simone’s success became a burden, and to help her cope, she turned to therapy, which ultimately “saved” her.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Spain, Simone said: “Yes [success became a burden]. Achieving success so young was very difficult.
“Suddenly, everyone is watching you, telling you how to act, how to speak. I was afraid of disappointing them.
“That’s why I started going to therapy. I needed to learn how to handle the pressure, how to remain true to myself. It was a crucial decision: taking care of my mind saved me as an athlete and as a person …
“I still go to therapy every week. It keeps me grounded and helps me process everything that’s happening in my life and in the world. It’s my safe haven, the place where I learn to be kind to myself.”
Simone Biles reflects on ‘life-changing’ near-death experience
