Simone Biles Prepares for Olympics Return with Support from Her Parents
As Simone Biles gears up for her highly anticipated return to the Olympics in Paris, the decorated American gymnast will have the steadfast support of her parents. Following a challenging run at the Tokyo Games that ended in withdrawal, the 27-year-old aims to make a triumphant comeback and add to her impressive tally of four Olympic gold medals as she leads Team USA.
Biles often attributes her success to her upbringing and the strong relationship she shares with her parents. Adopted by her grandparents, Nellie and Ronald Biles, when she was six, Simone has called them Mom and Dad ever since. In the Facebook Watch series Simone vs. Herself, Biles opened up about her early life, revealing that her biological mother, Shannon, struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, leading to Simone and her three siblings being placed in foster care at the age of three.
“I don’t remember a lot about foster care, but I definitely knew that we had been taken from our biological mom, and then you just think you’re going to go back to her,” Biles shared. Her biological father, Kelvin Clemons, also struggled with addiction and is not in contact with her.
Despite these early challenges, Biles expressed gratitude for staying with her siblings and being adopted by her grandparents. “Being separated from my biological mom, being placed in foster care before I officially got adopted by my grandparents, it just set me up for a better route at life. I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am unless that turning point happened,” she said.
Nellie Biles, Simone’s grandmother, has cherished the bond she formed with Simone and her siblings. “I remember praying for that bonding,” Nellie recalled. “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.”
This strong bond has been a source of support for Biles during her lowest moments, including her breakdown at the Tokyo Games. Their relationship was highlighted in the Netflix docuseries Simone Biles Rising, where Nellie’s supportive reaction to Simone’s withdrawal was captured: “You can’t do it. It’s okay, honey. They will do their best without you.”
As Biles returns to the world stage, she and her teammates were notably absent from the star-studded opening ceremony and parade of nations, prompting questions from fans. Nellie was quick to explain the reason for her daughter’s absence: “The first competition is Sunday, which is the Women’s Qualifier. And, of course, she needs to rest up before that competition.”
With her family by her side and a renewed focus, Simone Biles is poised to inspire the world once again as she takes on the challenges of the Paris Olympics.
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