Who did Simone Biles Get Adopted by?

By Jayson Panganiban August 05, 2024 22:17

Photo by Simone Biles Instagram

Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone Biles is a gymnast extraordinaire who has taken the world by storm with her incredible feats within the sport. Today, at 27 years of age, she will be forever remembered as the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history. Biles, a former foster child herself and an American gold-winning superstar who has won 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, including 7 Olympic Golds in gymnastics, has become the banquet of inspiration worldwide.

Simone had a difficult early life. Because of her mother's occasional abuse and neglect, she spent much of her early part growing up in and out of foster care with two siblings. These circumstances largely contributed to her being adopted later by Ron and Nellie Biles, who eventually raised her in preparation for the success she would experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

Adoption Story for Simone

After a turbulent childhood, she was ultimately placed in foster care with her siblings. In the meantime, Simone and her siblings went to stay with their grandfather, Ron Biles. Ron was in another state, so the adoption process was complicated, but Ron wanted a stable home for his grandchildren.

Simone was officially adopted by her grandparents when she turned three in 2000. This is where things started to get real for her. The Biles', Ron and Nellie, gave Simone a secure home to grow. This caring environment molded her into the woman she is today and helped sow the seed of her love for gymnastics.

Her Adoptive Family

Simone and her adoptive family have shared a profound bond formed over decades of love, support, and hope. Her talents were identified quickly, and when she was taken on a school field trip at six to visit an indoor athletics complex, it led her toward gymnastics. After this turning point, her love of the game was kindled, and with the backing of her grandparents, she received complete freedom to pursue full-time training.

"Being removed, placed in foster care before getting officially adopted by my grandparents, I know was the most beneficial route at life." A sentiment that speaks to how deeply her being adopted impacted the course of her life and, consequently, helped give way to what appears to be a divine intervention from the adversities she faced early on.

Though Simone is grateful for her adoptive family, she acknowledges the difficulty of her past. Earlier, she also spoke about how her grandparents have played a huge part in shaping the way they are with their life and the values of hard work and never giving up that were instilled by them. Their support has never wavered, carrying her to success both on the gym mat and off of it.

Simone's experience demonstrates the depth of impact a caring family can have in one's life, especially somebody who has gone through difficult situations during their formative years. And she is living proof that the one thing you did earlier in life does not have to be who you will always be. Whether it is due to her accomplishments or advocacy for people everywhere, including the adoption community - she remains a shining example of empowerment. She encourages those around the world to use their paths as inspiration.