Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history with 11 Olympic medals, recently gave fans a rare glimpse into her personal life by sharing a throwback photograph from her childhood training days. The image, posted on Instagram, shows a six-year-old Biles alongside her lifelong best friend, Rachel Roettger, both clad in leotards at a Texas gymnastics gym. The nostalgic post arrives at a particularly joyful time for Roettger, who is expecting a baby girl named Raven Skye and recently celebrated her baby shower with close friends, including Biles.

In the photo, the two girls are seen smiling in a training gym, a poignant reminder of the humble beginnings that led to Biles' extraordinary career. The post quickly garnered attention not only for its rarity but also for the heartfelt caption Biles added: “Love you, bestie.” The timing of the throwback coincides with the baby shower, which Biles also documented on her Instagram Stories. There, the Olympic champion wore a bright red sleeveless mini dress with a light, flowy skirt, standing next to the mom-to-be in a light beige fitted dress. The backdrop featured the name “Raven Skye,” and Biles captioned one photo, “Baby R is so lucky to have you as her mom.”

A Friendship Forged in Gymnastics

The bond between Biles and Roettger began in 2003 when the two were just six years old, training at the same gymnastics facility in Spring, Texas. While Biles would go on to dominate the sport, earning four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and three more at the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021), Roettger pursued a different path, eventually becoming a Procurement Buyer at Baker Hughes. Despite diverging careers, the two maintained their friendship through every twist and turn.

Over the years, Biles has often credited Roettger as a grounding presence in her life. “Rachel is the one person who knew me before any of this — before the medals, the fame, the pressure,” Biles once said in an interview. “She doesn’t treat me any differently, and that means everything.” The throwback photo is just one example of how Biles values their shared history, reminding fans that even the world's greatest athlete has a close circle of long-lasting friendships outside the spotlight.

Acts of Generosity and Support

Earlier in 2026, when Roettger announced her pregnancy, Biles surprised her with an extravagant gift: a brand-new Hyundai Palisade. Biles posted a video from the car dealership, signing purchase papers, and later shared photos of the vehicle wrapped with a large pink bow, writing simply, “Buying my best friend a car.” Roettger, overwhelmed by the gesture, shared her own photos with Biles in front of the car and wrote, “Get you a best friend like mine 😜💗 SB surprised me w/ my dream mom car 🥹 forever thankful for YOU. 🫶🏾 xo.”

This act of generosity is characteristic of Biles, who has frequently used her platform and wealth to support those she loves. But the friendship is not one-sided; Roettger has been a pillar of support for Biles during the most challenging moments of her career. The most notable example came during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when Biles suddenly withdrew from several events after experiencing the “twisties” — a dangerous mental block that causes gymnasts to lose spatial awareness mid-air.

The Tokyo Olympics: A True Test of Friendship

Watching from home, Roettger saw Biles land awkwardly during a warm-up and immediately felt a knot in her stomach. “I knew right then and there something was wrong,” Roettger recalled. Initially, she feared Biles had sustained a physical injury. “I thought she was hurt because there’s no way she should have landed like that,” she said. “I texted her, ‘Hey, what is going on? Are you okay?’ She texted me, like, ‘I’m not hurt, but I’m just going through some things.’”

That text exchange exemplified the trust between the two. Roettger didn’t push; she simply offered her support, letting Biles know she was there whenever she needed to talk. The incident, which triggered a global conversation about mental health in elite sports, brought the two friends even closer. In subsequent interviews, Biles has mentioned that Roettger was one of the first people she called after making the difficult decision to prioritize her well-being over competition.

Celebrating Milestones from Afar

The depth of their friendship was further tested in 2023, when Roettger married Drake Roettger while Biles was competing at the World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. Unable to attend the wedding in person, Biles made sure her best friend felt celebrated from across the Atlantic. She posted an emotional tribute on social media, writing: “My beautiful best friend got married while I was away in Belgium. I’M CRYING, Y’ALL! Such a beautiful couple! I wish you many years of love and happiness! Rachel Roettger, LOVE YOU 2 SM.”

Biles even FaceTimed Roettger while waiting for her own medal ceremony. Later, she shared a screenshot of the video call with the caption: “Facetiming while waiting for awards… real love!” The gesture demonstrated that no matter how busy or far apart they are, Biles prioritizes her friendship with Roettger, showing that true bonds can withstand the demands of a world‑class athletic career.

Biles’ own personal life has also flourished. In 2023, she married NFL player Jonathan Owens, and the couple has often shared glimpses of their life together. Yet, amidst her own happiness, Biles has remained deeply involved in Roettger’s journey into motherhood. The baby shower and the car gift are just the latest examples of a friendship that has stood the test of time.

Beyond the Spotlight

While Simone Biles continues to coach, speak out on mental health, and occasionally hint at a possible return to competition, her friendship with Rachel Roettger remains a key part of her identity outside the gym. The throwback photo serves as a reminder that before she conquered the world, she was just a little girl in a leotard, making a friend who would stand by her through every twist and turn.

As Roettger prepares to welcome her daughter, Biles has already embraced her role as honorary aunt. The two have frequently shared photos of baby presents and nursery preparations, and Biles has expressed excitement about being a part of the child's life. “I can’t wait to meet baby Raven,” Biles wrote in one Instagram story. “She’s going to be so loved.”

Their story resonates not only because of Biles’ fame but because it highlights the importance of maintaining genuine connections amid immense success. Simone Biles has broken records and shattered expectations, but her friendship with Rachel Roettger proves that some of the most valuable achievements in life have nothing to do with medals or podiums.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News