As decorated as she is, Simone Biles has had an equally tough life. From having lived in foster homes to being adopted by her grandparents. From being fed less than a street cat to stealing food from the cafeteria during camp. Biles has been through it all. She has worked extra hard to become the most decorated gymnast of all time, leading the pack by miles. Her incredibly supportive adoptive parents, Nellie and Ronald Biles have always tried to provide the best for her in every way possible.

Meanwhile, her biological mother, Shannon, had troubles of her own that led to her kids being taken away from her. Years later, what was it like for a mother to see her daughter compete at the Olympics?

Simone Biles’ mother could not make it to the Olympics

No matter what you do, having the support of your family is always an added boost. To compete at one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world while one’s family is in the stands cheering them on is a great feeling. But, for Simone Biles, it was a case of mixed emotions. During the 2016 Olympics, while her adoptive parents watched along from the stands, her birth mother could not make the trip to Rio.

Talking about the same in an interview, Shannon said they talked briefly on the phone, but Simone had been busy. The mother-daughter duo spoke before Simone left for camp to prepare for the Olympics. “I spoke to her and Adria,” she told.

Shannon would have loved to go to Rio and watch her daughter compete at the highest of levels. But she couldn’t afford the trip and hence didn’t go. Meanwhile, Ronald and Nellie made the trip with Shannon’s younger brother and his wife.

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“I couldn’t afford it, and it’s a lot of pressure for her. You always have a bond with your child, but with us not growing up together, I don’t want to make her nervous or get her out of character. I’m just here, yelling, ‘Go Simone!’ at the TV”

When Shannon was barred from seeing her children

At a very young age, Simone and her siblings (two sisters and a brother) were taken away from their mother and sent to foster care. After spending a few years in the foster home, Simone and Adria were adopted by their grandparents, while Ronald’s sister took the other two kids in.

When the adoption papers were signed, Ronald made it clear to Shannon that she wasn’t allowed to see her daughters. He told her there would be no calls, no visits, and no communication. Shannon admitted she was still doing drugs and drinking alcohol, which didn’t make things any better. She screamed at her father, asking him why he was that to her.

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Six years after her adoption, Simone reconnected with Shannon, and their relationship is still a work in progress. As for her adoptive parents, Biles often shares pictures of them, expressing her love. They have been the focal point of support for the American gymnast.