Simone Biles Shows Off Her Gymnastics Skills in These SI Swim Photos From Houston

The Olympic gold medalist flaunted her athleticism in Texas.

Martha Zaytoun | Feb 5, 2024

Simone Biles was photographed by James Macari in Houston.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Simone Biles is used to performing on a big stage. She has competed—and made the podium several times—in two Olympic Games, and has her eyes set on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, as well. But despite her experience in the spotlight, her 2017 SI Swimsuit debut made her “nervous.”

Biles “didn’t know what to expect,” she admitted of the photo shoot in Houston. “But then once I got on set, everyone made me feel very comfortable and everything we did” was familiar. The set in Texas gave Biles the chance to put her extensive gymnastics skills on display, and she did it with ease.

Wearing a variety of swimsuits, the 26-year-old showed off her flexibility and athletic prowess. It was unique in that there were no bars involved, simply concrete surfaces. But she made the most of the “unique” situation. Her willingness to take direction from photographer James Macari and make her own suggestions regarding poses made for a fantastic gallery of photos.

Biles described the experience as both “fabulous” and “amazing,” and we couldn’t agree more. It was a great photo shoot, and one that brought the Olympic gold medalist back for more. She returned to the SI Swimsuit set in 2019, when she posed on the tropical beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

While that experience was equally great, today we’re taking a look back at her trip to Texas. Here are a few of the powerful photos from the occasion.

Simone Biles — James Macari/Sports Illustrated

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Published Feb 5, 2024

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2023, she worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Zaytoun loves to watercolor and oil paint, run and water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.