Even seven Olympic gold medals cannot prepare someone for every sporting mishap, as Simone Biles discovered during a seemingly harmless pregame interaction with her husband, Jonathan Owens.
The gymnastics superstar regularly joins the Indianapolis Colts safety on the sidelines before kickoff, where the couple exchange a personalized handshake that has become familiar to NFL viewers.
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However, Biles recently revealed that the tradition was temporarily suspended because Owens' football gloves made the routine surprisingly painful, leaving her with twisted fingers and damaged nails.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated's ON SI about her partnership with skincare company Arcutis, the 29-year-old explained how an affectionate gesture developed into an unexpected problem.
Why Biles stopped Jonathan Owens' handshake
The couple created their handshake approximately three seasons ago, developing a routine they could perform together before Owens returned to his teammates.
"We came up with it probably about three seasons ago, but I had to tell him to stop doing it," Biles revealed.
The problem wasn't the handshake itself, but the sticky gloves Owens wore to improve his grip during games, which repeatedly caught against her fingers.
"He would literally just, like, twist my fingers on, like, our little [handshake], and it would hurt so bad, breaking my nails," she explained.
Biles eventually decided the discomfort outweighed the benefits of their good-luck tradition, telling Owens that they needed to stop performing it in those circumstances.
The solution proved remarkably simple as Owens began removing his gloves before approaching his wife, allowing the couple to resume their familiar interaction without further problems.
"So now he's not wearing the gloves; he can do it again," Biles said. "So I think he makes sure he doesn't have the gloves on."
Despite the interruption, Biles stressed that the ritual remained meaningful because they had developed it together as a way of wishing Owens luck.
She could be the one to mess up
Biles is accustomed to performing some of the most technically demanding routines in gymnastics, but she believes that precision does not necessarily translate to remembering a handshake.
"I always say that I would be more likely to mess it up," she admitted when asked which partner was more likely to make a mistake.
The lighthearted confession offered another glimpse into the couple's relationship, which has remained in the public spotlight since their wedding in 2023.
Biles has frequently attended Owens' games, supporting him throughout the Colts' preseason and regular-season schedule while balancing her own professional commitments.
Her appearances have included Indianapolis' meetings with the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, as well as preseason games against the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions.
Biles and Owens continue sideline tradition
Their handshake attracted further attention during Indianapolis' international matchup against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 4.
NFL Network shared footage of the couple performing their routine before kickoff, demonstrating that the temporary interruption had not ended their tradition.
The interaction has become a recognizable part of Owens' preparations, offering the couple a brief personal moment before the intensity of an NFL game.
And while Biles has spent her career demonstrating exceptional control and coordination, even she appreciates that some routines work better without sticky football gloves.