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

What is up, Daddy Gang? It is your. founding father, Alex Cooper, with Call. Her Daddy. Thank you for coming. I'm going to go. finish my shopping. Go. Good seeing you. This is insane. GORGEOUS.

IN OUR HECTIC, FAST-PACED LIVES, we. could use some slowing down. Häagen-Dazs. is made to be savored and enjoyed. slowly. Introducing new Häagen-Dazs. Belgian Waffle Cones, a completely new. experience that's worth slowing down. for. Daddy Gang, you've never had cones like this before, okay? They'll take crunch to a whole new.

level. Each crispy waffle cone is filled. with a velvety smooth ice cream that. Häagen-Dazs is known and loved for. Then, it's finished with delicious. toppings and a decadent bite of sauce. waiting for you at the bottom of the. cone, okay? Häagen-Dazs Belgian Waffle. Cones come in four delicious flavors: vanilla salted caramel, summer berry, triple chocolate fudge, and toasted. almond fudge. Boom, sign me up. You guys. know that I have the most hectic days at.

the office, so when I get home, I love. to grab a little treat, toss my phone. away, and take a minute to myself. These. cones are a must-have in my freezer. I'm. obsessed with the summer berry flavor. It's fruity and it's sweet, and. seriously, it always hits the spot. It's. the perfect way to end a long, long, long, stressful day. Ice cream just. always hits the spot for me, and these. Häagen-Dazs cones are truly the perfect. treat. Savor your moment of slow with. new Häagen-Dazs Belgian waffle cones.

available at retailers nationwide. 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 I don't remember. who DM'd 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? Like, and then I started. pressuring I'm like, oh my god, I need.

to like do better. Like, I need to. impress Simone. Like, but it was such a. cool full circle moment that we started. DMing and we had this like 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, like what. person do you want to interview? And. immediately I was like, Simone. And. like, of course, they're like, lol, like. that's so cute. Like, of course, everyone wants to interview Simone. I'm. like, no, like, I need to interview her. And they're like, do you know her? And. I'm like, kind of. Like,

we're pen pals like that. And now we're. finally here. Thank god. It's it's perfect. Okay, so we were just. at your parents' gym. Mhm. Watching from. previous documentaries that you've done. to watching it all get built to you now. like having your own gym and how. supportive your parents have been. Like, what does that support mean to you? 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 20 20 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. Um, but other than that, they've. supported everything that I have ever. wanted to do, all of that stuff since I. was a young girl. When you say the word Simone Biles to. the world, I think everyone immediately. thinks Olympian, the goat.

Yeah. 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. foster care. Yes. Can you just share. just a little bit like what was going on. at home that led to that? I was only 3 years old, so I learned. that a little bit whenever I was older, but um 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 CSL and about. Um 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 um 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 cuz he's not that much. older and mind you we were three. And so. I just had anxiety problems, so I we. were in a girls' room. They had girls'. rooms and boys' rooms. And um 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 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. 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 night time. 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. super strange to me because I remember. this day at gym. Um 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 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. Right. It was normal for you. When they. say the stork brings the babies, I'M. LIKE, "HOW DID YOU GET HERE?". STOP. weren't picked?". Wait, you weren't like you weren't in a. house, and then you weren't. adopted? So, like, that was shocking to me. Did. your parents ever talk to you about your. biological parents? Kind of funny because no, because I just. I'm not sure the relationship, maybe. because we didn't ask either. Um but we.

knew who it was as we got older. Um 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. 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, let's move on.". Literally. So, I'm like, "If you think. too hard, it it just gets jumbled." So,

your grandparents adopted you at six. Yes. And now they're your parents. Yes. Boom. How do you think that did change. though, like the trajectory of your. life? Everything. 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. Right. 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. Yeah. Wow. I mean, it's it's incredible. to see what you have all built together. as a family. Um I love how in the. beginning you just quickly were like, "And then when I'm at the gym." Back up. Okay. You are the greatest of all time. Yes. 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? We got into. gymnastics. I say we as me and my.

sister, um 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 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. It's because it was storming. that day, so they're like, "That's an. outside activity. Where are we going to. 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, 6 years old, I'm. like, "Psh, 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?" So I'm 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. You Your. body stature is like it's made for. gymnastics and they're like, that's not. normal. And so they were 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. 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 like. Tom can even like run the way he can. For you it's the complete opposite where. you're like you walked into the gym and. people were like, who is that girl? And. you would never done any of this before. cuz I was going to ask you like. was there ever once you started an aha. moment that you're like, holy I'm. actually really good at this? Never for. me. Everybody else always saw it and. since I was always the smallest in my.

class, the shortest, I thought it 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 like, 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 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. Um my my siblings were really good. at track. But that's kind of it. Were. you in school did people make comments. about how short you were? Sure, yes because like you could always. grow. So they were like, we're just. waiting for her growth spurt which I'm. still waiting. I tell God like, finish. it when I'm done with gymnastics. So. maybe we're not done yet. I mean the. doctor probably thinks my growth plates. are closed but that's a different story. I love it. You're like, it's going to. happen. 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. It's 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. I was going to say, I feel like getting into this sport, any. sport that 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? 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 school work. 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 saying how. hard they work, everything that they've. done for us, for our siblings. Um. it it's kind of something that was a. little bit taught in that nature, too. Yeah. 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?". Probably. the whole family started making. sacrifices when my practices started. going late. And then um 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 going to take us and to end up. where we are. We just kind of thought.

like, "Oh, she's doing this 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." Cuz you went to public school. till eighth grade, right? Correct. 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? None. The The 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. 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 a boy was. on Dancing with the Stars. Icon. Yeah. Icon. Like it's giving like only you. can. Okay, so you never got Did you have. sleepovers? 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 off, 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. Um It's like your life revolved. around it. Everything revolved around. gymnastics. And if people don't play sports, like I.

look back and like, okay, can I relate. to that? I'm like, yeah, growing up my. most of my friends were just soccer. friends cuz you're just kind of become a. family and they're like your sisters. 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 practices. 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 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. school work 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, and like. They're like texting boys on AIM, and. you're like in the gym. No. Basically, the only boy I know is Jim.

No, literally. And did you resent it at. all? Like did you ever be like, "Oh, why. am I doing this? Like why am I doing. this to myself?". At that point, no, because I still loved. 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 figure it. 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. school work, 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. school work done out of it. But Texas. law states you can only miss X amount. before they fail you, even if you do. your school work. So, that just wasn't. an option for us, and it's not like we. were ever going to move or do anything. cuz 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 cuz 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 They haven't bulked up yet, and. I'm just like, "Hey." Nobody really. understood, so. it was okay. 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 had muscles, and we all. looked the same. I do remember one of my. friends um 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 I like, "I'm in a 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. 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. Yeah. 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? 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 going to. do? I won the Olympics at 19. Like, to it's going to be a hole from. here on out. Yeah, so we're going downhill. 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." You almost like were.

excited for 2 seconds to then be like, "Can I even and actually enjoy this? Cuz. this Does this mean it's over?". 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. Um so, I knew it was. going to be different, but I knew that. it was going to 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 are. 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 going to 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 you're so great. We all are. looking at you. You're Simone Biles. You're you just did the Olympics. You're. thriving. You're getting gold. Like did. you ever feel like you weren't allowed. to have moments of weakness? A lot of the time because. on a lot of the teams like 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 is 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 ones 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 of that out the window. Work.

on what you need to work on and then. outside of the gym. whatever happens happens. So yeah, it was. weird, different, difficult. But at that point again I'm only 19. years old. Well that's what I was going. to 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 I'm I'm. stressed. I have all these followers. I.

have the world like. A lot of the time if it was my sister. cuz 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. it was a sign of weakness. So, I was a. lot of silent nights where I would cry. because even after the Olympics, I went. home and 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 the 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 watch gymnastics. watch for the 4 years prior, watch 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. Right, 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. isolating. Cuz 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 s-. how that can happen. Um. But again, I was just a kid. I was.

homeschooled. I didn't have much. It's. like Well, as I'm listening to you talk. about this, too, it's like. Yeah. there's so much pressure that is. put on young athletes. Mhm. Then when. you are the star athlete at a young age, there's more pressure to like grow up. and become an adult soon because. everyone's everything's riding on you. Yes. You're under a microscope. Yeah. And then you have the press. looking at you and and fans. And you're. like, now I need to become media. trained. And now I need to learn how to.

like like 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. Mhm. With all of your success, then there was behind the scenes so much. going on. And in 2018, you spoke out about the. abuse that you endured from the USA. Gymnastics physician. Yeah. I'm so curious, Simone, like. can you talk about your decision to open.

up about that? 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 going to 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 3. 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 um. 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 going to 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. 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. all you know. It's that's all we knew, so we thought it was normal because. we're all homeschooled there together. It's like Right, you're all going. through the same thing. Yeah, and so we're talking to each other.

and if this is happening to you, this is. happening to you. Okay. Right. Cool. Let's normalize. What we're talking. about also is like there's so many. different forms of abuse, but like the. abuse of power Yeah. is it's such a tricky situation and we. see it so often. Yeah. 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. gymnast, but it's like on the real. day-to-day like this is. awful to go through. Yeah. And they. people weren't with you on the. day-to-day. Yeah. Once you decided to speak out. about this, like. how did processing this trauma show up. in your day-to-day life? Well, at that. point I was diagnosed with um depression.

and anxiety and. I kind of knew. I was depressed, but I hid 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 and. the end of the world. 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 I a lot of the guilt that. wasn't mine to hold. The worst. Yes. And I think that. was the hardest for me to process. Mhm. 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 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. 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 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, like it's over it's never over. 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 cuz 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. And. doesn't it bring up sometimes like. there's shame that comes with it. You're. like, why the is this not going. away? it's like, I'm not going to want to be.

in 10 years talking about this and. somebody's going to be like God, here. she goes again. But it's like But I do. think you talking about it is important. and that's why I think it's really. important how you said, this does not. define you. But this is 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 like 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 down. and you can bury it so far. thing we're so good at at as athletes at. doing that, too. And my um 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, cuz I'm like, gymnastics, like, what the heck is going. on? Why is this happening? And then my. um 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? cuz it can't happen again. Yes, but it's. like. it wasn't just a mental injury that. happened called the twisties. It's like. compressing all of this for so many. years, it just unfolded. Right. Like. Like you can't you can't compress trauma. that much longer. And 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, I can't vault. Like or whatever it is. You're like, I wish I could say like. money. Yeah, like I. Yes, 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 walk. 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 going to go. wrong. I couldn't pinpoint what it was. or when it was going to happen, but I. just had this feeling deep down, this is. not going to go the way I want it to, and I don't know why, but I have this. deep, deep feeling like something's. going to 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? 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 going to be out of my. control. And I didn't know when it was going to. happen or what was going to happen, but I was like,

I just I felt strange, but I'm not going. to 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. Yeah. 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 to 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. And in training up to. Tokyo, did you feel that too?

Um a little bit, but we had been. training so hard and we were we were. prepared. Like we were so prepared. I've. never been so prepared for an event in. my life. I mean obviously besides 2016, but this felt like a different kind of. prepared. Um and it felt a little bit more calm. 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. was weird. didn't know when, but like that's again. like the body just telling you like.

something ain't right. Simone, I'm we're. not good and you're like push it down, we're fine. And to me, I was like. it's fine, take your medicine. And some. of the days. we're asking my doctor, "Can I take two. 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 going to control what. we can control. Let's take your. medicine. Maybe try 20 mg. Maybe try.

this." And it was just like. it was it was the weirdest experience. and whenever I look back at it, it. doesn't seem real life. Mhm. Which maybe is a good thing. Right, you're like it's kind of like It's a. good thing till everybody reminds me. No, as I'm sitting here being like, "So, let's talk about the team final in. Tokyo." Yeah. 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? Call. Her Daddy is brought to you by Shopify. What if your work was more than just a. paycheck? As an entrepreneur, you can. turn your passion into profits and do. something you truly love every single. day. All the tools you need are at your. fingertips with Shopify, making it so. easy for you to focus on the big picture. and fuel your passions. Daddy gang, there are so many ways that you can turn.

a passion into something bigger. And. with Shopify, you can easily sell on. social media, manage your operations, and even collaborate with other brands. Shopify is your all-in-one hub for. managing and growing your businesses, whether you're selling online or in. person. Being an entrepreneur has been. rewarding for so many reasons. The main. one that I genuinely love what I do. I. love being able to bring my passions. into my business. For example, working.

with the National Women's Soccer League, soccer was such a huge part of my life. for so long and partnering on well with. the NWSL was truly a dream come true for. me as a businesswoman. If there is. something that you love to do, but you. don't know where to start in terms of. making it a business, check out Shopify. They can help make your dream a reality. Life is too short to do something you. don't love. Daddies, start today on. shopify.com/daddy.

and make it happen. That's. shopify.com/daddy. Take me to the moment literally when you. land on the mat, what is going through your mind? Okay, I'll start from the back of the runway. when we're standing there. 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 the team. my teammates like I'm fighting demons. I'm fighting demons right now, but I'm.

going to 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. um. 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 girls 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 on 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 that out there on vault. and we have a one touch warm up, go over. the table, do a one and a half and I'm. like, "What the 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. explain this to people that have no idea. what gymnastics Like, they're like, "What What do you mean?". once we go out there, we usually have a. one-touch vault, and it is what it is. It's to warm up you your 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. Right. Cuz I'm okay. Listen, I'm okay. We're great. Like, everything is not okay. You're shocked. Literally. And so, they're like, "You're. fine." And I was like, "I don't know why. I did that." I 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 going to. 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 4 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. going to. do a vault, but I didn't know what I was. going to do. And I knew I was going to. try to do a two and a half, but I didn't. know how many twists I was going to. 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. open, 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 on 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 going to hate me. And I can. only see what they're saying on Twitter. right now." That's That was my first. thought. Simone, I was like, "Oh, What are they going to 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. It's like you let. the country down. Oh, I was I thought I was going to be. banned from America. Cuz that's what. they tell you, don't come back if it's. not gold. Gold or bust, don't come back.

And I was like, "I don't. Thanks." 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 Get everything for. everyone and just like sacrifice my body. at all cost." And you land on the mat. and you're thinking, "What is Twitter.

saying?" Yeah. I was like, "No, I'm going to be one of those. videos, flops at the Olympics. Like, this is horrible." And I knew I couldn't. recover and I knew I know how long the. twisties takes to get over and I know. it's not overnight. Can you explain also. to people that aren't familiar what is. the twisties? Okay, if. I had to explain it in gymnastics terms, it's don't might not make sense, but. it's basically like your mind and your. body is at a disconnect. Your body is. going to try to do something and your. mind is going to be like, "No, you're. not doing this. Work You're going to. open out. You're going to do this." But.

it's the same as if like the best way I. could describe it is everyday 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. And it's terrifying because. we're in a car without any protection. I am my car. Like so I would explain 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. that's kind of how it feels like. So. immediately when you get off that, what. do you do? I go to tell my coach and I said I'm. done. I'm not doing anymore. Because if I survived 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. And are you like internally freaking.

out, but you're coming off just like. Internally, but I I I didn't want to. freak out in front of the girls. Got it. 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 girls. 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 what 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 going to. win anymore. Da da da. They're freaking. out because they also know what what I. was going to 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. Um. but I just wish I it would have been. contributing the way that it was. supposed to happen. 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. Nothing. Nothing. Your brain is. illogical when you're in those moments. with your teammates where you're like, I.

will literally like die for this team. right now. 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 warm-ups, 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. another 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 medal 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. What happened in. the back? Did you just try it like what. happened? Doctors came over. I had to talk to my. family. Um. 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 Poor parents.

Yeah, I'm hurt. My heart is broken. like. everything hurts, but my knees are fine. I'm like my brain hurts, like. everything. So, I called my family and. It's so funny because my sister was. sleeping. No. I'm at the Olympics, WHY. ARE YOU SLEEPING? BUT THERE'S a time change, so I get it. But everybody's in up in the house. cheering for me, Simone gear on, and my. sister's like, I think I'll take a nap. I think I'll. sit this one out. Simone's got it. Did. they wake her up? No. She heard the phone ring cuz I.

called the home phone and she said she. was sleeping and she felt something was. wrong. She ran to the kitchen to and. said, I'll answer it. And saw my name on. it. Oh, that's freaky. Freaky. And she answered and she said, hello. And as soon as I heard her voice, I just I lost it. You're crying. 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. You're like,

Yeah, I'm like, come pick me up, I'm. scared. 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? She was like, are you okay? Because that was her main concern. She. thought I got hurt. 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. It's also just like, as an athlete, you're so raised like, the feeling of. trying. It's we're supposed to be the.

toughest. Like, you're invincible. What. do you mean? We can't see the injury, so. you're fine. Yeah, and I'm like, yeah, sorry I came. here and my brain just decided to have a. malfunction and break. Yeah, how do you describe that to. people? How do you How do you tweet that. one to the world? what I'm saying. But then, whenever I. really talked about it and there were. actually a lot of people that understood. and um. we got a lot of positive feedback and. that's why I was like, you know what? You're not going to 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. Absolutely. What are your parents like. on that call? Your mom's checking if. you're okay. What is your What is your. dad like in those moments? My dad is. always so calm and collected it seems. Yeah. 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. Yep. 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. Cuz I was like, I 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. Why? I felt like I failed him. And I've never said that out loud, so. it's like and. and they've helped me get to that point. cuz I never thought I was going to do. gymnastics again. And so I felt like I let down Laurent. Now having met him,

I get it. Yeah. Like he has such a incredibly high. standard for you in the best way and. he's so like. fierce and loyal, but like. he doesn't let he tries not to let. anything get to him and I knew that got. to him. You ended up participating in. the individual beam competition and won. a bronze medal. Lex. How did you know. you were okay to compete? I changed my. routine because I didn't have to twist. Flipping wasn't necessarily the problem,

it was flipping and twisting. And so, um. one of the gyms there let me go train. there and I have like videos from that, too. Um 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. 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. going to medal. I was like, "I just want. to go out there, compete. because this is what I came here to do.". But how do you even like mentally get. yourself together to like after that. moment with vault, like It was like four. days later. Thank god. like Because I pulled out of every. final, but every time I pulled out of. final, I felt like it like was another. knife. Like. So, um.

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. going to do it for herself." And I was. like, "You don't see me twisting, do you?". Still not twisting. But, um. yeah. Once the score came up, I was like, "Oh, thank god." Like, made a beam routine. and then. we saw that I was going to medal when I. hit Cecile and I said, "What? What? I'm going to a bronze?" And. after Rio, I got a bronze on beam. and I was shunned. And people were like,

"Throw that medal away. You should have. got a gold." cuz I did mess up. Um but. we There's no telling what the medal. would have been. Um 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 could you couldn't tell me. that it was bronze. It felt like a gold. to me. Right, you're like, I'm just happy I got. a medal. Yes. I'm happy I got back out there.

For people to be like, don't come home. with that bronze. It's like, sorry, um. do you know how to do a cartwheel? That's what I'm saying. Sorry, who are you to say don't come. home with a bronze? crazy. I'll walk my ass back into. America happily, raise it around. I'll. take a bronze. Yeah, so it's 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 HIM. LET'S GO. YOU COULDN'T TELL me that it was a. bronze. Cuz you I like you you got it. You 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. 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. And they're like, just for this Today. show, sweetie, smile. Yeah, like. 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 I had they were. like, get ready, Simone. We have a parade. through the neighborhood. Like get your. convertible, smile and wave at them. I just wanted to. have a like a breakdown and I didn't. want to have it. This mental breakdown, it was waiting. No, it is sitting in. your chest. You're like, "When can I. sob? When can I sit in my bed for 48. hours and not leave and just sob?".

Yeah. And you had to do a parade. Yeah, a parade. I was like, "No.". point, you're like, wanted to cry. tears even come at this point? I've been. holding it in for. 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 that was that. So, when did you break down? 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. Uh 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 7:00. I would be on therapy from like. 4:30 to 6:00.

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. Wow, hi Gold Over. America, love to see you. Like crazy. It's like, Yeah. It was fun and and I will cherish. every stop and every show that we got to. put on. Totally. But it was just like.

behind the scenes, just nobody knew. Well, no, and that's what I appreciate. you sharing that because it doesn't take. away from you 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 I I and I don't want. you to share what you're comfortable cuz. 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? For me, since it.

again it was a new therapist, um Oh my. god. Yeah, it was. or bad timing? I'm like It was a new. therapist, and every time I'm with the. 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 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, um 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 um 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. That's heavy. Yeah, it was 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. going to say like in a. in a strange way cuz I was thinking. about I'm actually like I feel like I. I can visualize oddly like that scene of. you opening that suitcase. Yeah. And just like sitting there with. it in front of you of like. Yeah. And 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 going to do that. again? Like I got to do it. myself through this. Right. Yeah. When you were home, when was the. first time you tried the vaults again? Like did you go immediately into the. gym? What was the situation? Um 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 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 back flips back tucks. like people call back flips that's why. I'm saying back tucks. Yeah. But I would go do back tucks and. even that felt kind of weird. Mhm. cuz I'm like well but I hadn't done. that in a year cuz 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 going to get lost. I'm.

going to get lost. And um. Laurent would always come over and he's. like, "Okay, go into the pit. Let's do a. full." And I'm like, I. I'm here to see the girls. I just wanted. to jump on the Like, I'm just. like here to jump on the He's. like, "Calm down.". He would make me twist and go back to. the basics and um I wasn't even. training. I'd literally would just come. visit. And he didn't want me to have. that feeling because. in in before that, I would watch basics. 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 going to. throw up. I can't." Cuz I can't picture. myself doing it. because I took so much off. What was the. lowest. point of the entire Tokyo. aftermath and experience? I would say it wasn't even. in Tokyo. Unfortunately, I think it's. whenever I decided to come back. and train and 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 a gymnast, we know what happens, but it's very. unspoken of. And whenever it happens, you pretend it doesn't happen. Huh.

Um Why is that? It it's not a good feeling. It's. dangerous. It's. it's like horrible. It's scary. But you. don't want to speak up cuz then you're. like, I don't want to be out. 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. Got it. So, it feels contagious. Interesting. So, whenever they were looking at me and. doing it, it just like is so weird. And so, uh we y'all 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 going. to get lost. Because I know why it happened, but like. I'm like I don't that's a reason. Right. So, um.

yeah, even I 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 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 Worlds, I I.

wouldn't have done it. Cuz it's I think. what people I hope understand is like. there's this mental ta- like taxing. aspect of like. Yes. when you fail at something, you. can't unsee it. You can't unfeel it. So, you're trying to remove yourself and. you're trying to push it as far away as. possible. Yeah. But your brain has experienced it once, so you need to be so mentally strong. Yes. that so far in the corner, but it's. hard. Yeah. So, when did you approach. your coaches and say. I want to come back?

It was kind of funny because the. conversation didn't go how I thought it. was going to go. Oh, okay. And so, um I think I requested a meeting. or whatever with Cecile and Laurent, and. we ended up at their house and um I. brought my husband, you know, my love. blanky. Mhm. And I was like, okay. I want to go back to the Olympics. I. want to do this. And they are 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. Wait, like scream for me? Yes, and they. were like, no. And I was like, What's happening? What's happening? I'm. like, what in the world is going on? And they. were like, no, you've set expectations. for Let's just go back in the gym, get. in shape, Huh. and see what happens. And. I was like, so we're not going to the. Olympics? We're not training for the Olympics?

They're like, we ain't going to Paris? Yes. They're like, what do you mean? And. so, um that was really weird to me. because I thought they were going to be. on board like, yes, we have the process. laid out, da da da da da. Let's go. And they they just said no, and I was like, Hmm. Do I get new coaches? Do I like, what's. going on? 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, Huh. Oh, those things? Oh. Okay, fine. Yeah. But then can we go to the Olympics? Yes. And um 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? I thought we weren't going to the. Olympics. So, I can officially ask and you can. confirm like, the goal is to go to. Paris. If all goes well, I'm training.

Yeah. The goal is to go to Paris. Yes. So, if you're going to Paris, how. are you approaching the games. differently compared to previous years? I think just working on my mind and my. body um 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 it's working. I didn't think. therapy was going to work and it's. working 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. Yes. It's like so many people can tell. you to go and if your body and brain is. not ready to go, it's not even going to. penetrate. You're going to be like I. don't feel Yeah, and you're not. going to open up. You're not going to. talk. You're not going to be vulnerable. You're not going to let those demons out. so it worked out for the better. 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'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? I would say to keep up with my therapy. even on those hard days because I I have. dodged a couple of those sessions. you're like sorry I'm like a little. busy. That's so relatable. You're like. And she knows I'm on my days off so I do.

it the same day every time and she's. like Simone Simone are you there? And I. was like no. Sorry, I'm not here. That's. the worst when your therapist calls out. and they're like why. I know you're free and you're like no, I'm not. And they're like and those are. the ones that they always get mad at you. cuz they're like those are the sessions. you need the most. That's what she tells. me but you know my phone's on do not. disturb. You're like I can't hear you. I'm like but I feel so guilty and so.

ashamed. too when I ghost my therapist. Is there. anything more toxic than ghosting your. therapist? You're a little like this is like the. most toxic cuz it's the healthiest. relationship you're in, but like so. toxic. So bad. Sometimes you just you. can't. We need a break. Sometimes I don't want to talk about my. feelings too much. And and sometimes it's like exhausting. I just feel like a record on repeat and. again it goes back to like feel like I. should be healed by now. Mhm. Now you're. shoving this down my throat. I hope you.

and I know this to anyone going through. mental health situations or survivors, whatever it is, like. 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 like rewire your brain to be. like, it's okay to feel this and don't. shove it away. Call your therapist. Talk.

it through. No, 100% 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 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 Um okay, this is still Call Her. Daddy. So I want to talk about your husband. You're married to an NFL player, Jonathan Owens. Yes. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by. Libre by Yves Saint Laurent. Daddy Gang, Mother's Day is officially approaching. and there is nothing I love more than. finding something unique and special for. my mom that she will absolutely love.

Lori, shout out. Moms do so much for us. and wear so many hats. They deserve a. fragrance that can keep them feeling. confident and beautiful every step of. the way. The YSL Libre fragrances make. the perfect Mother's Day gift, Daddy. Gang. The new Libre Leau Neu has a fresh. citrus floral scent and notes of green. mandarin, bergamot, orange blossom, and. lavender, which are ideal now that we're. in the spring season. Okay? Plus, it's.

long-lasting, alcohol-free, and it comes. in radiant jewel-like white bottle that. will look stunning on your mom's. bathroom countertop. And if your mom. likes a deeper, muskier scent, there's. the iconic original Libre eau de parfum. with warm sultry notes of vanilla, orange blossom, and lavender. It'll. leave people asking your mom what she's. wearing everywhere she goes. And then. she'll get the chance to brag about you. a bit, too. Okay? The YSL Libre Leau Neu.

has truly become my signature scent, and. every time I see my mom, she compliments. me on it. I cannot wait to give her her. own bottle and be like, "Here you go, Lori. Now we can smell the same, okay?". Also, while I'm at it, I'm going to pick. up a YSL original Libre eau de parfum. for myself, too. It's the best of both. worlds. I need to restock, okay? Wearing. a good YSL fragrance just makes you me. feel clean, classy, and put together, even if I'm in a pair of, you know, sweats. Also, I found that the Libre.

Leau Neu leaves my skin radiant and. glowing, so it's a must-wear for any. date night with Matt. You're welcome, Matthew. I'm obsessed with the YSL. fragrance. They just constantly elevate. every moment of my day, and I'm so. excited to share them with my mom this. spring. Shop Libre by Yves Saint Laurent. at Sephora this Mother's Day. You're married to an NFL player, Jonathan Owens. Yes. You met on Raya, which first I just. want to say like God bless you cuz I had. no luck on Raya. Okay girl, like Raya.

was just doing nothing for me but like. DJs in Australia. So good for you. have. I had no luck. I could have put your set I could have. changed your settings. Thank you. Okay, well. Your YOUR YOUR SETTINGS WERE OFF. Were. they? Athletes check. 50 to 100 miles. check. Listen, I had enough of my days. with athletes, okay? Simone, I had to. move on. Um what made his profile stand out? 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 gymnastic gymnastic-y picture in. there unless he had to click on my. Instagram and then see I was a gymnast. So I I didn't want them that to be the. first impression. Um. 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 seems so charismatic. He had these. little dimples, you know, the light eyes. and I was like, oh, he's so cute and he. I think he had a his bulldog on there. I. was like, he has a dog. This is so cute. That's how I mean even note to men. listening, even if you don't own a dog, take a picture with a dog and put it on. your profile because it will work. to me, if he had a dog, that meant he. was responsible. I love that you think. that is the first thing I mean I'm like, oh, he's so cute. Is that him laughing. back there or someone's laughing? So it.

was laughing. profile and I didn't know it was his. nephew and I was like, HE HAS A KID. OH, NO. You thought he had a kid? he had a kid. But then, you know, my. stalker skills our stalker skills are. 30 seconds you figure it out. Figured it out. it out everyone Yeah, yeah, yeah. Of. course. Um so it was okay. When did you. start to realize he was is one? Ew. I. know. I know. No, um. actually and this is so cliché 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, I'm going to 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 Like why? Like the energy or 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.

Um. but to go to his apartment, I was like. Right. Like for a first date. But we 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 playdate with the. bulldogs. And he was like, cuz 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. THE DOG IS SITTING ON THE FLOOR.

LITERALLY. SO, um he was like, no, not. for the first date. Then we'll introduce. them like and I was like, okay. 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. Great sign. I love You've never seen a girl. THE DOG. HAS NEVER MET A GIRL. Context clue, 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. Yeah. Um what is married life like? To. me, 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. Um because we 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. Um but it's no different. We're still dating, you know? We're. about to be 4 years in. Um. so, yeah, married life is no different. Okay. Jonathan, if you're listening. Um I don't even know if he's in this. house yet. I think he is. Um we have to talk about the viral. moment. Like we have TO DO IT. 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? I was in the room. I was sitting on the chair. You just. couldn't see me on the videos. I was. there for the whole entire video. And. you were feeling great. I was feeling. great. I was like, "My my man just killed that.". And I'm like, Stop. Stop. excited. And like, they even panned over. to me with that viral moment, and I just. like rolled my eyes and laughed, because. like Right. 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 going. to meet, cuz if it goes over a week, you're not meeting. Like, forget this, you know?" Yeah. And so, I 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.". You're not Yeah, literally. So, I. just thought that was funny, because and. I thought that That 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 um whenever we did that he did. that interview. I thought everything was okay. I'm dying. that he said. 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. He brought it to. the gym. No. No. just so sweet. He's just doing things. like you you feel loved and you feel.

supported. And obviously. 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. fish bowling out here and got her. windows tinted. Like he's the sweetest. Yes. I think what's crazy is first of all. just as we know the internet like you. never know what's going to go viral. And. they'll take it and run and that's. exactly what they did. Why do you think. people got so upset? Because. he wasn't he 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 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.

Yes, and I love to support him, so I. think that they were mad that whenever. they said he Yeah. And by the way, like. he said it, but. I'm 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. Yes. those conversations they're. drinking their little tequila, whatever. it is. So, I think that was the thing. If it was that girl's 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 that was all going crazy and. trending, what are you guys saying to. each other? I thought it was hilarious. what people were saying, "Divorce him, divorce him." All of 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. Divorce. Yeah, literally. Divorce. Because like that whatever. So, I. thought it was hilarious at first and. then they hurt my feelings. Right. 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." Yeah, it was just. perceived in in not the correct way. 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. Yeah. Like because I've. been in the limelight long enough where. I can brush things off, have my little. pow-wow about it, you're not going to. know a card 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. Why not? Why couldn't you? I hurt their feelings. You're like, you don't want me to clap. back. Yeah, and it's just like classy, you. know? Classy. Yes, because whenever I was. younger, I used to have Twitter fingers, too. Like my agent like Is someone going. to take this down? 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. Right. But I can really go there. Yeah, you just you're just like it's. better to not. Exactly. Uh yeah. Okay,

Jonathan has never. Yeah. They're in the drafts. You draft them. and you never send them. Because if I at least type it out, I. feel better. I hope someone hacks your. Twitter and just rips. No, can you. imagine? We're like, damn. Because they're like quoted. No, literally. Um okay, Jonathan has never. gotten to go to the Olympics before with. you. What are you most excited about for. him to experience? Well, hopefully he. gets to go because that's usually like. their training camp. 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." Um 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 um. 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 hardest sport.

It's universal. And I'm like, so why. isn't it in the. Olympics if not every country does it? Period. But um no, just to see that. spirit and. I mean, Paris I think they'll do a. beautiful job. And he doesn't travel. overseas too too much. The first time he. um 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 before. Oh, so. you're like, "Come with me, babe. Let me. show you the world. Literally. Literally. Okay. Regardless of what happens in Paris,

Yeah. what do you hope your legacy is? To be an advocate for. anything that I've been outspoken about, mental health, foster care, ADHD, whatever that is, but also 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. 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'm. such a huge fan of yours, and I think. you are. you are so much more than gymnastics, but you are kick-ass 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. Thank you. Congrats. Oh my god, we did it. Yay!