Simone Biles: Bears granting husband Jonathan Owens time off from training camp to see Olympics

Gymnast Simone Biles is returning to the Olympics, and her husband, Jonathan Owens, will be able to watch her live on the biggest stage.

Biles qualified for the Paris games with a victory at the U.S. Olympic Trials on Sunday. The star gymnast told USA TODAY’s Nancy Armour that the Chicago Bears granted Owens permission to miss time during training camp to attend the Olympics.

Biles said, “Yes, the Bears are in fact giving him a few days off from training camp, so he’ll be there for a brief period.”

Biles and Owens have been together since 2020. The couple married last year and are building a home outside of Houston. It’s the first Olympics that Owens can attend in person. During the 2021 Games in Tokyo, strict COVID-19 regulations prevented the safety from attending.

After spending one season with the Green Bay Packers, Owens signed a two-year contract with the Bears this offseason. Prior to this, the 28-year-old had spent four seasons playing for the Houston Texans.

Bears veterans report for training camp on July 19. Chicago is participating in the Hall of Fame Game against the Texans in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 1.

The Olympic competition for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team will begin with the qualifying round on July 28. The team final is scheduled for July 30. Biles, anticipated to be one of the favorites, will compete in the women’s all-around final on Aug. 1.

Biles expressed her excitement and said, “It is rare for our schedules to align, but when they do, we cherish the opportunity to be there for each other in support. It is very important for both of us.”