Simone Biles‘ Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising” is finally here! Many fans have been looking forward to seeing what the most decorated gymnast went through after her heartbreaking withdrawal at the Tokyo Olympics. In the docuseries, many are now discovering how arduous that experience was. Biles has always stated how her parents have continued to make sacrifices for her since day 1. “Thanks for always being there for me through all the highs and lows,” and that wonderful sentiment shone through in episode 2 of the docuseries.

In the episode titled, “I will not be broken“, the GOAT talks about how difficult this time must have been for both mama and papa Biles. “And that was probably the hardest thing for them to do,” Biles candidly expresses. She then continues, “Is not only bring us in, but to see if they could repair our trauma.” While stepping down was the best thing she could have done for herself, she still had a long way to go before she was at her 100%. Her parents played a pivotal role for the 7 Olympic medalist during this difficult time. 

Simone Biles’ take on overcoming adversities in the docuseries

Simone Biles sheds light on her family tree in episode 2 of Simone Biles Rising. We see a few adorable pictures from Biles childhood, as she talks about her arrival at her adoptive parent’s house. She was adopted by her biological grandparents, who she now lovingly called her parents. “I went from Grandma, and I was perfectly fine with grandma.” Nellie Biles is Simone’s biological grandmother, and she adopted the Olympian when she was just 6-years-old, “And then when that time came of being called mom, that’s a powerful word.” She made the journey to Texas to live with them. 

Biles and her siblings were in foster care from 6 to 9 months. But her life before that wasn’t any simpler. Biles and her siblings grew up in extremely rough conditions. Her biological mother suffered from drug and alcohol abuse, eventually being unable to look after her four children. The Olympian stated there were times where they weren’t sure if their mother would come home or if they would have food on the table. Biles was just 3 when all of this took place. “You’re so young, so you don’t really know how to process that either“, she confesses. But while times were tough, she still had her siblings by her side.

Biles doesn’t remember much of foster care, but she did find a silver lining. “I’ll never forget where I came from, and how it shaped me into the person I am today.” the Olympian stated. Despite her tumultuous childhood, the elite gymnast believes moving in with her parents was for the best. Biles talks about how she always knew she wanted to break boundaries and statistics, a feat she has continued to accomplish throughout her illustrious career. “Whenever you’re in foster care and you come out of it, the odds are against you,” she laments. 

However, that never stopped the GOAT from reaching for the stars. We see an old video of Biles sporting a purple leotard on the balance beam at the local gym. “I was kind of always that kid that if somebody told me I couldn’t do something, I would.” It isn’t surprising to see Simone do Simone things, especially when we see how incredibly supportive her parents have always been of her.

Ronald and Nellie Biles have always been her rock

While Simone Biles was yearning for parental love, every time her grandparents visited, she would feel that feeling miraculously drift away. “Whenever we had visits with my grandpa I was so excited“, Biles once told People. Ronald and Nellie soon adopted both the Olympian and her sister, Adria. Her parents realized Biles took a liking to the sport when the six-year-old took a daycare trip to a local gymnasium. The coaches noticed how good she was, and asked them to enroll her, which they did!

Nellie once stated that the elite gymnast never missed a day of practice, even on days where she was sick. Their support towards Biles never wavered, and would constantly cheer her on from the stands at every competition. Tokyo 2020 happened to be the only time they couldn’t go due to quarantine restrictions. However, they still found a way to be there for her through regular videocalls. The GOAT has always talked highly of her parents any chance she gets, even showing appreciation through posts on social media.

Biles once stated how she would have no idea where she would’ve been or what her life would’ve looked like if she wasn’t adopted. But mama Biles feels differently. “She has somehow rose above those occasions. Not only does she feel good doing her sport, it gives her the control that only she has. And I think that she could control it because she could perfect it.” And she did just that, while her parents cheered her on from the stands at the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials.

Her parents have made sure to stand by her side since day 1, backing her up at every turn. Despite all the adversities, Biles has now made it to her third Olympic team. In 9 days, she will be enthralling fans with her stellar routines at the Bercy Arena. Will we watch the GOAT add a few more shiny Olympic golds to her staggering collection? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain, Ronald and Nellie Biles will be right there watching from the stands, cheering the loudest for their little girl.