Simone Biles talks NFL game day preps, Chicago and holidays

Olympics.com: Alright… Simone Biles. Good to see you. How’s it going?

Simone Biles: Good. How are you?

Olympics.com: I’m doing all right. Where are you headed today?

SB: Today, we are heading to the Chicago Bears football game.

Olympics.com: So, you ready for some game day questions?

SB: Yes. Ready for some game day questions!

Olympics.com: Let’s do it. First off, I’ve got to know about the fit today.

SB: Yes. Okay. Today’s fit is actually very simple, just because me and my friends’ outfits didn’t come in time. So, this is my back-up. I was actually supposed to wear it to a different game. We have the 36 (Owens’ number), bucket hat, some boots, but it is freezing, so at least it works for game day.

Olympics.com: You’ve had some good fashion looks through the games. How do you put it together?

SB: Honestly, I reach out to some of the creators that make the apparel, and I have no ideas. I let them kind of freeball it, and I say, ‘Surprise me.’ And then that’s how I piece them together.

Olympics.com: Do you have a favourite one so far?

SB: Yes. My favourite one so far is one that I haven’t worn yet, and I’m wearing it to Thursday’s game.

Olympics.com: Who’s more nervous for game day, meet day? You or Jonathan?

SB: I would have to say Jonathan just because, although I’m nervous about his health and safety, it’s his game. He knows it better.

Olympics.com: We saw how you and he interacted before a meet in your documentary. What’s the interaction like between you guys on game day?

SB: Well, usually you’re not allowed to be with him the night before, so we sleep separately in the hotel. And then after that, he usually comes up, gives me a kiss goodbye. So, it’s very… He’s so chill. He’s relaxed. And that’s also his personality. Not as stressed as me.

Olympics.com: You’ve talked about how supportive he’s been and how much it meant to you. What is it like to be able to kind of repay that now?

SB: Oh, my gosh. It means the world to me. And I know it means so much to him for me to be able to go and support his games. For him, it means a lot for me to go on the sideline before because he says that’s his pre-game routine. So he’s always looking for me on the sideline to give him, like, good luck vibes and wishes. That’s just his superstition.

Olympics.com: Who comes up with the handshake you guys have been doing pre-game?

SB: That’s Jonathan. Jonathan thinks of all of the things: handshakes, pre-game rituals, what he needs to eat – all Jonathan.

Olympics.com: How much do you know about football?

SB: Well, I could probably explain it to a five-year-old. But if I’m explaining it to a 25-year-old, it might not make sense.

Olympics.com: Who knows more about the other’s sport, you or Jonathan?

SB: Jonathan. He knows so much about gymnastics.