In a refreshingly human moment, global gymnastics icon Simone Biles proved that even the most decorated athlete on the planet is not immune to a slip-up. This week, the Olympic champion took a tumble on the ice while filming a TikTok video, offering her fans a rare and relatable glimpse of her learning a new skill.
The Viral Fall That Showed Her Human Side
The clip, shared by Biles herself, captured the exact moment her attempt at a trending ice skating pose went awry. Known worldwide for her impeccable balance and control, Biles misjudged a weight shift, lost her footing, and hit the ice face-first. The fall was swift and clean, a testament to a lifetime of training her body to handle impact. What made the video instantly viral wasn't the stumble itself, but the context: it was Simone Biles, the athlete synonymous with perfection, experiencing a very public, very ordinary learning moment.
Her reaction was characteristically calm and poised. Drawing on years of experience with controlled landings, she caught herself and reset quickly. After posting the clip, Biles leaned into the humour, joking that she really does have good balance. This unfiltered and playful approach is a key reason her content continues to resonate with millions. The video successfully cut through the aura of invincibility that often surrounds her, making her more accessible and relatable to her global audience.
Balancing New Hobbies and Sideline Support
Ice skating is just one of the new hobbies Biles has embraced during her off-season. She has been openly enthusiastic about trying it for a long time, and the fall has done nothing to slow her down. Instead, it added a layer of authenticity to her journey, making her exploration of the sport feel genuine and real.
Her life beyond the gym has been equally visible this year. Biles has become a regular fixture on the sidelines of NFL games, supporting her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. Her appearances have often grabbed as much attention as the plays on the field. For a recent Bears game against the Philadelphia Eagles, she debuted a new look with voluminous curls, captioning photos with "something a little different." Her stylist hailed the look, declaring Biles looked "SO GORGEOUS for the game."
With the Bears having a strong season in the NFC North, Biles has been able to attend games more frequently, something her rigorous gymnastics schedule previously limited. Her presence highlights a year where she has skillfully balanced her personal life with the spotlight that naturally follows her.
A Spotlight on Influence and Personal Joy
Biles's influence continues to extend far beyond the gymnastics arena. She was recently featured in Harper’s Bazaar Spain and named their Woman of the Year, an honour recognising her impact both within and outside of sports. In a personal revelation during an interview with People magazine, she spoke about knowing Owens was different from their very first date, famously recalling, "Oh, I think I’m going to marry him."
Whether she's navigating a fall on the ice, turning heads at NFL stadiums, or gracing high-fashion spreads, Simone Biles demonstrates a unique ability to stay authentically in the public eye. She connects with people not just through superhuman athletic feats, but through shared moments of humour, support, and the simple, human joy of trying something new.
