Jonathan Owens, husband of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, experienced a frightening encounter while shopping in Milan during the Winter Olympics. The incident occurred on February 14, 2024, when a thief attempted to snatch his shopping bag. Owens, who plays safety for the Chicago Bears, managed to thwart the robbery thanks to his quick reflexes.
Owens recounted the incident on social media, describing it as a “crazy” ordeal. He shared that he had tied the shopping bag around his hand, making it difficult for the thief to get away with it. “Not somebody just tried to snatch my shopping bag in Milan,” he posted on X, adding that the thief took off running immediately after realizing he could not seize the bag.
The 30-year-old athlete indicated he was somewhat prepared for potential theft, having seen numerous TikTok videos warning about pickpockets in the city. “Should’ve seen his face once he realized I turned around and he couldn’t grab it,” Owens remarked. The incident quickly became a topic of conversation among fans, many of whom were curious about whether he considered chasing and tackling the would-be robber.
In a light-hearted exchange, Owens noted that the thief was “not fast at all.” He found humor in the situation, commenting, “Honestly bro it was hilarious how slow he started running away once he saw he couldn’t grab it out of my hand.” His awareness, shaped by social media posts, played a crucial role in helping him navigate this unexpected encounter.
While it remains unclear if Biles was with him during the incident, she had shared a photo earlier that day showing the couple shopping together at a Bottega Veneta store. In the image, she expressed her appreciation for Owens, writing, “Always spoiling me,” as he embraced her in the store.
The couple, who married in 2023, enjoyed the Winter Olympics together, attending various events throughout the weekend. They were seen celebrating at the men’s figure skating final on Friday night, followed by the speed skating event on Valentine’s Day.
Despite the tense moment, Owens’ quick thinking ensured he remained safe, allowing him to continue enjoying the festivities surrounding the Winter Olympics. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers in crowded tourist areas, even for those who are well-known athletes. As the couple continues to support each other in their respective fields, they remain a beloved duo both on and off the Olympic stage.