Olympic superstar Simone Biles reveals health scare was like 'almost dying'

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Olympic superstar Simone Biles, winner of seven gold medals at the Games, has revealed she recently suffered a health scare, which she describes as like "almost dying".

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Video credit: SNTV

Biles has posted a series of updates on Instagram, in which she called the health concern "one of, if not the scariest experience of my life".

The posts included pictures of hospital bracelets on her wrist, as well as a screenshot of a heart rate monitor.

The 29-year-old has not shared exact details of what happened, saying she would "explain sooner or later".

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Biles has had a spectacular sporting career, with the highlights being her seven Olympic gold medals, four won at the 2016 Games in Rio and then three more at Paris 2024.

"I'm not one to normally share things like this because I value privacy in today's age," Biles wrote in her original Instagram story post.

"But almost dying wasn't on my bingo card earlier this week. This was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life.

"I've been in bed resting this week. I'll explain sooner or later but s/o [shoutout] to my close circle who reached out, checking, visited and or sent flowers. Love y'all."

Biles revealed in an interview with L’Equipe last year the stress that elite sport had taken on her body.

Recounting an experience at the 2024 Paris Games, Biles said: ”I went back to the village, I took the elevator and my body literally collapsed. I was sick for 10 days.

"The other day, we were sprinting in the garden with friends, and I had aches and pains for three days.”

Biles was aged just 19 when she grabbed the attention of the world with her incredible performances at the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning the team, all-around, vault and floor titles.

At the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Biles said she "felt like a failure" despite picking up a silver and bronze medal.

During that Games - held behind closed doors in Japan due to the Covid pandemic - Biles suffered with the "twisties", which is seen by gymnasts as a mental block.

With the world watching on, Biles was back to her scintillating best in Paris in the summer of 2024.

Simone Biles was one of the star performers at the Paris Olympics

Image credit: Getty Images

The American icon claimed three more gold medals - in the team, all-around and vault.

Biles has not yet confirmed whether she will compete on home soil at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Speaking recently to Spanish newspaper El Pais, she said: ”I’d say we are still at about 50%.

"Although I’ll also take this opportunity to say one thing - I feel we should know how to admire athletes while they are active and competing.

"I’ve already been to three Olympic Games, and I feel fulfilled. It’s crazy to see how people always want more and more from you.

"In the end, the decision will always be mine.”

Biles has also won 23 world titles, with 30 World Championship medals in all, in her stellar career.

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