Simone Biles Shares How Her French Bulldogs Support Her Mental Health

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, known as the “Greatest of All Time,” shares how her French Bulldogs have supported her mental health. Photography by Nulo

• Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, shares how her French Bulldogs benefit her mental health.
• The “GOAT” explains how her dogs Lilo and Rambo help her destress.
• Biles also opens up about how her dogs lifted her spirits after the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, is widely recognized as the “Greatest of All Time,” or the “GOAT.” Biles’ dominance in the sport has earned her 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals.

Aside from her passion for powerful performances, Biles is also deeply passionate about her pet French Bulldogs, Lilo and Rambo.

“I adopted Lilo in 2018, Rambo we got in 2020. They’ve been my constant companions ever since, and they’ve brought so much joy into my life,” she told Healthline.

Her love for dogs started as a child, as she was always surrounded by them.

“I have all kinds of memories of visiting my parents (before I was adopted) and playing with their dog for hours. We had multiple German shepherds when I was a kid, and they brought so much life to our family,” Biles said.

Her dogs also provide her with unconditional love and support.

“Lilo and Rambo do such a great job of keeping me grounded and bringing me comfort, especially during stressful times,” she said.

“They’re always excited to see me and are always there for me no matter what. I’ve experienced plenty of ups and downs in competition and life in general, and I feel so lucky to have them to come home to every day.”

Simone Biles and Rambo. Photography by Nulo

Biles is among the 95% of pet owners who say that they rely on their pet for stress relief.

Pets offer other mental health benefits, too. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll, people who said their pets positively impact their mental health cited several key benefits, including:

• reduced anxiety
• unconditional love and support
• companionship
• friendship
• a calming presence

“Pets can provide companionship, purpose, and comfort, and enhance the quality of life for children and adults,” Deborah Serani, PsyD, a professor at Adelphi University and author of the award-winning book “Living with Depression,” told Healthline.

Serani pointed to research that suggests having a pet can improve physical and cognitive health and benefit mental wellness.

To learn more about how the Biles embraces the mental health benefits of furbabies, Healthline got insight from the iconic Olympian.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

How do your pets help you through difficult times?

Biles: They’re both somehow just able to sense whenever I’m feeling off. Whether it’s snuggling up next to me at home or just being their goofy selves, they always make me so happy and give me a huge mental and emotional boost.

I could be having the best day or a not so great one, but no matter what, they love me and give me stability that’s been super helpful, especially during tough times.

Simone Biles and Lilo. Photography by Nulo

Can you share a time when your dogs helped lift your spirits?

Biles: I definitely struggled after the Tokyo Games, and coming home to Lilo and Rambo gave me a special kind of support I didn’t realize I needed. They’re always so excited to see me when I come home, especially after I’ve been away for a while — that really helped remind me of the simple joys life can bring, and it brought me a lot of peace in a difficult moment.

My dogs have had such a positive impact on my mental health, I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. Pets offer a love and support that is truly unconditional, and they do such a good job of reminding us to stay grounded and cherish the present.

What is your favorite thing to do with Lilo and Rambo to de-stress?

Biles: I love taking them for walks, playing with them at home, or just cuddling up on the couch.

They have such distinct personalities. Lilo is a total diva, Rambo is my rambunctious boy. They’re always making me laugh and helping me unwind. I really do consider them family, and my life is so much better with them in it.

Why did you want to be part of a pet food campaign?

Biles: As an athlete, it’s extremely important for me to make sure I’m eating as clean and healthy as I can. My dogs have given me so much, and I want to do my best to repay them by making sure they’re getting the best possible nutrition to live their healthiest, fullest lives… and are by my side for as long as possible.

I can feel confident I’m giving them that with Nulo, who I believe not only prioritizes premium, high-quality food for pets, but also celebrates the special bond between pets and pet parents, which is something anyone who’s ever had a pet can relate to. I’ve enjoyed working with Nulo and have received a lot of great feedback about the “Fuel Incredible” campaign.