Simone Biles, the world-renowned gymnast, needs no formal introduction. She is the epitome of courage, passion, and determination. The Olympic gold medalist and World Champion is known for displaying exceptional vault skills. Despite being 25 years of age, Simone has achieved accreditations and remains unachievable by many of her contemporaries and seniors.

There is no doubt that Simone has put her heart and soul into achieving her dreams. It is, of course, Simone who stands on the podium while receiving medals. But it’s not just Simone; there lies an array of people and their support. One such person is Simone Biles’s mother, Nellie Biles.

Best Friend or Daughter: Whom does Nellie prefer?

Unlike other mothers, Nellie does not like when Simone says that her mom is her friend. Simone quotes, “My mom doesn’t like when people say ‘my mom is my best friend.’ She always reminds me that I’m Simone Biles, her daughter — not her best friend.”   

Talking about her mother, she adds that she is the closest to her. Revealing further, she says that although most people would consider Nellie her closest friend, she believes that the title “mother” is more meaningful and deserves respect. Simone adds that her mother is always brutally honest with her. She reminds her saying,  “I’m going to tell you how it is and be straightforward with you,” 

Read More: “Don’t Let Her Win Too Fast”: Simone Biles Defeating Taller Rivals at a Young Age Led to Coaches Worrying About Her Future

Adding further, Simone reveals that such was not always the case. During her teenage days, she did have her fair share of arguments with her. But then again, she adds, “Without my mother, I wouldn’t be as strong and confident in anything I do.”

Simone Biles and Nellie shares an unbreakable bond

Jumping from one foster home to another, Simone’s childhood was not easy. The stability the Biles siblings needed in their young days came when Simone’s maternal grandfather and his second wife, Nellie, adopted Simone and her sister. Technically, their grandparents, the senior Biles, soon took up the roles of parents.

Simone feels extremely proud when people compliment her, saying she looks exactly like Nellie. Though not biologically related, the two share an unbreakable bond. Speaking of her influence in life, Simone adds, “I follow everything she does, in and out of the house, from the way she acts to the way she talks. I feel like I’ve picked up a lot of her in me. I have her courage, her seriousness, her ability to do things 100 percent and not be afraid of failure.”

Watch this story: Simone Biles’ first ever relationship that didn’t even last one day

Simone Biles sure knows how to make the headlines. The GOAT of gymnastics is now busy preparing for the big day with her fiance, Jonathan Owens.