Simone Biles Claps Back at Criticism of Recent Vacation After Health Scare

Simone Biles sent a message to those who criticized her for being on vacation after experiencing a recent health scare.

"Almost died but look at these traveling selfies…. 😂😂😂," one user wrote in the comments section of Biles' Wednesday, June 17, Instagram post, which featured images of the iconic gymnast on vacation with the caption, "Relaxing in paradise 🖤🐚👙."

Biles, 29, replied, "Ugh these comments make me sad. 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 & appreciate being here."

She continued, "I hope you understand that life changing experiences can shift your perspective. & that you're able to extend a little more grace to others moving forward 😘 have a nice day!"

Biles made headlines earlier this month when she revealed she was recovering from a scary health-related incident. She did not share further details about what happened, her diagnosis or her treatment plan.

"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," Biles wrote via her Instagram Story at the time.

At the time, Biles posted a photo of her arm, which appeared to have three hospital wristbands on it. The Olympian explained that her husband, Indianapolis Colts player Jonathan Owens, was in Indiana for team workouts at the time.

"This was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life, especially since Jonathan was in Indy for practices," Biles wrote. "I've been in bed resting this week. I'll explain sooner or later, but [shoutout] to my close circle who reached out, checked in, visited & or sent flowers."

One week after sharing the incident with her followers, Biles revealed that she and Owens, 30, were headed away for a "baecation."

"Do not disturb, please & thank you," she wrote in a separate upload with a photo of the ocean.

Days later, Biles responded to a follower commenting on a post that they "never got the update on [her] near death experience."

"Not ready to talk about it just yet," Biles wrote via Instagram at the time.

Biles and Owens have been together since 2020, after meeting on the celebrity dating app Raya. The pair tied the knot in 2023.

"It is not much motivation you need to do, just because you don't want to put extra, added pressure on anyone. I just tell her, ‘Go do your thing, baby,'" Owens exclusively told Us Weekly in July 2024 about attending Biles' gymnastic meets. "You get a different type of focus whenever you just have this one person that you're focusing on."

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 12:28 PM.