Simone Biles, already hailed as the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, once again made headlines following her historic win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the world celebrated her eighth Olympic medal, Simone took a moment to share a personal and heartwarming story with her fans. On Tuesday, July 30, she posted an Instagram story that showcased her grandfather, Ronald Biles, proudly watching her compete, binoculars in hand.
“My dad & his binoculars is soooo freaking cute,” she wrote, referring to Ronald, her biological grandfather. Along with his wife, Nellie Biles, Ronald adopted Simone when she was just a child, taking her in after she and her siblings were placed in foster care due to their biological mother’s struggles with addiction.
The post revealed a softer side of the champion, reminding everyone of her incredible journey both in and outside of the gym. Behind the gold medals and breathtaking routines lies a story of resilience, family, and overcoming a difficult childhood.
Early Life and Foster Care
Long before Simone Biles became a household name, performing gravity-defying flips and winning Olympic gold, she faced significant challenges growing up. Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone was one of four siblings. Her early years were marked by uncertainty and instability, as her biological mother, Shanon Biles, struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. Simone’s father was also absent from their lives, further complicating an already difficult situation.
By the time Simone was three years old, she and her siblings—Adria, Tevin, and Ashley—were placed in foster care. It was a heartbreaking situation, but one that ultimately set the stage for Simone’s remarkable transformation.
Shanon, reflecting on that period, expressed her deep sorrow over the decision. “It was hard to give up my kids, but I had to do what I had to. I wasn’t able to care for them,” she shared in an interview with The Daily Mail. Her addiction had made it impossible for her to provide a stable home, and the children’s well-being took precedence.
Struggles of Childhood
Simone has opened up in recent years about the hardships she endured during her time in foster care. In an interview with CNN, she vividly recalled her experiences, including the hunger that often plagued her and her siblings.
“I just remember us as kids being so hungry,” Simone shared, her voice carrying the weight of those memories. “There was a cat that would get fed, but not us.” This haunting recollection paints a stark picture of the neglect the siblings faced before being placed into foster care.
Despite these early struggles, there was a silver lining. Simone and her siblings were fortunate enough to stay in the same foster home, a rarity in the foster care system. She fondly remembered this time as one of the “best times ever,” because despite their circumstances, the siblings found joy in being together.
Their lives took a dramatic turn when their grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, became a constant presence, visiting regularly and offering support. Eventually, they made the life-changing decision to adopt Simone and her younger sister, Adria.
The Role of Family in Simone’s Success
Family has always been a cornerstone in Simone Biles’ life, and she attributes much of her success to the love and support of her grandparents. At the age of six, Simone and Adria moved in with Ronald and Nellie, who provided them with the stability and care they desperately needed. For Simone, the move marked the beginning of a new chapter.
“I wanted to take care of Adria, obviously, because she was the baby,” Simone said in her Facebook Watch series Simone vs. Herself. “I just felt like I needed to look out for her, because if family doesn’t look out for you, who’s going to?”
While Simone and Adria were adopted by Ronald and Nellie, their older siblings, Tevin and Ashley, were adopted by Ronald’s sister and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite being separated, the siblings have maintained a close relationship, further emphasizing the strong family bond that helped shape Simone’s life.
A Life-Changing Rainy Day
One of the most defining moments in Simone’s life came in the most unexpected way—a rained-out school trip. During a visit to a gymnastics center as an alternative activity, Simone’s natural talent for the sport was discovered. The trip was meant to be a simple distraction from the weather, but it became the moment that set Simone on her path to greatness.
It didn’t take long for coaches to notice her exceptional skills. By the age of eight, Simone was already enrolled in an elite training program, and the rest is history. With hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her family, Simone quickly rose through the ranks of competitive gymnastics.
Overcoming Challenges and Becoming a Champion
Simone’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. In addition to the physical demands of gymnastics, Simone faced mental and emotional struggles throughout her career. She has been open about the pressures of competing at the highest level, often carrying the weight of being one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Simone made headlines when she withdrew from several events, citing mental health concerns. Her decision to prioritize her well-being over the competition sparked an important conversation about the importance of mental health, especially in the world of elite sports.
“I have to focus on my mental health,” Simone told reporters at the time. “We have to protect our minds and our bodies rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”
Her courageous decision was met with widespread support, and it only strengthened her legacy as a role model for athletes everywhere.
The 2024 Paris Olympics: A Triumphant Return
After taking time to focus on her mental health, Simone made a triumphant return to the world stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as she added to her already impressive medal haul, bringing her total to eight Olympic medals.
Throughout the competition, Simone’s family was there to cheer her on, just as they always had been. Her Instagram story of Ronald Biles watching her with binoculars was a touching reminder of the close bond they share and the role her grandparents played in her success.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Simone Biles’ story is one of perseverance, strength, and the power of family. From her difficult beginnings in foster care to becoming an eight-time Olympic medalist, Simone has inspired countless individuals around the world.
Her openness about her struggles, both in her personal life and as an athlete, has made her a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. As she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a champion, Simone Biles remains an enduring symbol of resilience and triumph.
Her journey is far from over, and the world will undoubtedly continue to watch in awe as she reaches new heights, both in and out of the gym.
