Simone Biles made a dazzling comeback to the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards, held in New York City on July 15. The acclaimed Olympic gymnast showcased her fashion prowess with a stunning champagne-coloured gown, featuring a strapless corseted bodice paired with a dramatic high-low skirt. This appearance marked another highlight in her growing list of glamorous public engagements.
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Biles, 29, turned heads as she walked the red carpet alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens, a National Football League player. Owens complemented her striking outfit with a chocolate-brown suit adorned with satin lapels and an eye-catching brooch, making the couple a standout pair at the sports ceremony. Their romantic journey began in 2020 on a dating app, leading to their marriage in April 2023, which has only added to the couple’s appeal in the public eye.
The Olympic champion’s appearance follows her participation in the Laureus World Sports Awards in April, where she revealed the extravagant expenses associated with her red carpet glamour. Biles jested that the bill for her glam team was so steep it would deter her from attending future formal events. Her unique look at that ceremony included a minidress by Cong Tri embellished with striking ivory feathers, complemented by a range of gold accessories. She disclosed that she had to be sewn into the gown prior to the event, which altogether amounted to a jaw-dropping $23,000.
Biles’s accolades in gymnastics are unparalleled, as she has become a household name through her remarkable performances. She is the proud owner of 11 Olympic medals, having garnered seven gold, two silver, and two bronze from the 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo, and 2024 Paris Olympics. Her extraordinary achievements have firmly established her as the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, earning her admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike.
Last year’s ESPY Awards saw Biles in a custom midnight blue sequin creation designed by Zac Posen in collaboration with Athleta. The elegant gown featured a modern square neckline and an open back, crafted from the same material as her beloved Athleta Transcend Tee. That evening, Biles not only showcased her exquisite fashion sense but also walked away with two prestigious awards: Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Championship Performance, adding further recognition to her illustrious career.
This year, the ESPYs were hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, known for his work on Saturday Night Live. The event serves as a significant occasion in the sports calendar, celebrating the achievements of athletes across various disciplines. The combination of Biles’s presence and the light-hearted hosting style of Hernández contributed to an exciting atmosphere for both attendees and viewers.
As Biles continues to make headlines both for her sporting accomplishments and her style choices, fans eagerly anticipate her future appearances. With each event, she enhances her legacy, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fashion enthusiasts while remaining a prominent figure in the sports world.
The 2026 ESPY Awards proved to be another successful event, showcasing not just athletic achievements but also the glamour that can accompany the world of sports. For Simone Biles, this red carpet moment reinforced her status as a role model and a fashion icon, and it is clear that her influence will endure well beyond her athletic career.