“For me, I was happy to just be back out there, get through those nerves again, feel that adrenaline.” Simone Biles said this after winning the U.S. Classic last year. That was just Biles’ first meet of the year, yet she started it with a bang, winning the all-around with a dominant 59.5 score while her husband, Jonathan Owens, sat in the crowd and cheered for her. But this year, as the U.S. Classic arrives in Illinois just this week, on July 18, the G.O.A.T. won’t be taking to the competitive mats. But amidst that, she has still announced a massive update…

Simone Biles has had some deep and incredible history at this event. She has won five of the last six U.S. Classic meets, going as far back as 2018. The only year she missed it was in 2022, while she was away from the competitive mats due to having faced the ‘twisties’  the previous year. Lately, too, it seems like she has been on a hiatus ever since the 2024 Gold Over America Tour ended, as there have been no updates on her gymnastics comeback. Even the U.S. Classic roster uploaded by USA Gymnastics doesn’t feature her name in the list of senior women slated to compete. So, she won’t be expected to be seen on the mats. But amid this, she has dropped a new update, and that is…

On July 14, Simone Biles added an Instagram story featuring three GK elite leotards lined up in a row. With that, she added a note saying, “Mark your calendars for July 17! My @gkelite Season to Aspire drop is coming. #ad #paidpartnership.” Well, this means that her new collection with the iconic brand is about to drop on July 17. This is a major update, as she is one of the only 4 signature athletes for GK Elite and has been associated with the brand for over a decade now. Also, we see that the timing of the post is noteworthy, as the merchandise drop comes just a day before the Classic begins, making it even more significant.

While her fellow US gymnasts will be on the mats, fans can expect Simone to show up on the stands to cheer for them. After all, she seems to be back from her vacation. Also, there are many gymnasts in the lineup with whom Biles seems to have a deep familiarity. The confirmed lineup for the 2025 U.S. Classic features Hezly Rivera, who was right alongside Biles on the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal-winning team. There are also 2024 Olympic alternates Leanne Wong, Joscelyn Roberson, and Tiana Sumanasekera. With Wong, Simone Biles did share the 2024 US Classic mats, too.

So, the possibility that she shows up to support these women is not entirely ruled out. But it’s also notable that of late, Simone Biles has enjoyed a personal life away from the mats. Here are a few recent examples of what she has been up to other than gymnastics.

Amid competitions, what Simone Biles has been up to lately

Simone Biles had been absent from the competitive gymnastics mats ever since the Paris Olympics ended. She has not even given a firm reply on LA 2028 and has been relishing 2025 in her private life, just as she had promised. She had said in 2024, “Besides relaxing and going on a couple of vacations with my husband, I’m just really trying to be involved in the community as much as I can, as well as giving back.” We saw that come true as Biles has just returned from a vacation in Belize with her husband.

However, very recently, a big change was also noted. It was worth noting that Simone Biles was also spotted in the training facility wearing a leotard last week, which was something. It sparked speculations about whether she is showing up for the U.S. Classic or not. After all, in 2020, too, she had made a surprise announcement, entering this event just days before, ending her long hiatus from the sport. But as of now, the available roster confirms that she is not in and is sitting this one out.

But in the meantime, she is enjoying some moments in her private life. And these also include spending time with her pet dog Lilo. We have seen Instagram updates about the same. Also, right after the GK Elite leotard story on July 14, she added another mirror selfie of her wearing a customised tank top featuring a print, “Lilo’s Mom” with a small replica of her dog. So, with all these updates, it seems that a lot is on the cards for Simone Biles. Her next move? We’ll have to wait and watch what that is!