Simone Biles on Life After Adoption: “Their Support Means The World to Me”

Simone Biles may be one of the greatest in the gymnastics world, but her parents are the real deal in her life. She was adopted by her grandparents, along with her sister Adria. When the siblings entered foster care in the wake of their mother’s drug abuse issue, they lived “hungry and afraid”. But the absence of a parent quickly faded when their grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, started visiting. A bright future awaited.

Biles once said to People, “Whenever we had visits with my grandpa I was so excited”. Little did she know that Grandpa would transition to Dad. He once eased things out for the Olympian when she struggled to navigate. On the other hand, her adoptive mom, Nellie, sold her businesses for her training. What they mean to Biles goes beyond human comprehension.

Simone Biles’ adoptive parents lay a path of roses for her

Simone Biles sat with “Call Her Daddy” host Alex Cooper to share her journey with her supportive parents. She said, “For me, it means the world. ’cause being adopted since I was six years old to now, it’s been a long road and journey like career wise and just like who Simone is instead of Simone Biles. So it’s been a long journey but their support means the world to me”. She burst the bubble of her “picture-perfect” life and said that people see her as the Olympian being ignorant of her backstory.

When Nellie and her husband Ronald first adopted Biles and her sister they prayed that the four of them have a great bond. “I remember praying for that bonding … because telling them that you love them and you care for them; that’s all words. But then you wake up one day, and you realize that you would do anything for these children. And that you would die for these children. And when that feeling comes, that’s when you know you are truly a mother,” Nellie said while speaking on Simone Vs. Herself.

And this prayer worked for the entire family as Simone never fails to appreciate the love and support her adoptive parents have shown towards her. Though the parents, who have been her biggest fans, never missed a single competition of Biles, there was a time when the family craved to be reunited. That time seemed very slow-paced.

She was separated from her support system during the COVID-19

Biles was so used to having her parents in the stands cheering for her that she always knew where they were sitting, despite the change of arenas. However, during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the audience was restricted due to the pandemic-induced quarantine. This was the hardest time for Biles as the 4-time Olympic gold medalist faced the blow of twisties. It was extremely tough for her as her saviors were not present with her in person. Video calls were the only means of communication then.

However, as she withdrew from several events due to her twisties, her parents stood by her side as a pillar of support helping her in the toughest of times. Acknowledging their efforts, Biles had said: “Thanks for making sacrifices since day 1 so I can live out my dream. but most importantly thanks for always being there for me through all the highs and lows.”

Since day one, Ron and Nellie’s support has been unmatchable. On every occasion and in every interview, the 27-year-old has expressed that she can never thank them enough. As she gears up for the Paris Olympics 2024, she approaches it with an open heart and no regrets.