Meet Ronald and Nellie Biles, the parents of Simone Biles

Simone Biles has always acknowledged her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, for playing a crucial role in helping her fulfill her Olympic aspirations.

At the age of 6, Simone Biles found a new family when her biological grandfather, Ronald Biles, and his wife Nellie, adopted her and her younger sister Adria.

The sisters and their two older siblings were placed in foster care three years ago due to their mother’s struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which resulted in her frequent incarcerations. The adoption finally took place after this period of instability.

Throughout her career, Simone Biles, 27, has consistently acknowledged the invaluable support and stability provided by her parents. As the most decorated gymnast in history, Biles attributes her success to the unwavering strength and dedication instilled in her by her supportive parents.

In June 2021, the four-time gold medalist expressed her gratitude for her parents in an Instagram post. She shared pictures of herself with her parents and captioned them with a heartfelt message. The athlete acknowledged the sacrifices her parents have made since day one to support her in pursuing her dreams. She also emphasized the importance of their unwavering presence in her life, being there for her during both the highs and lows.

“You all are truly amazing. I have so much love for each and every one of you,” she expressed with genuine affection.

Discover the heartwarming bond between Simone Biles and her parents as you delve deeper into their extraordinary relationship.

Ronald and Nellie Biles were married in 1977

According to a profile in Andscape, Ronald and Nellie Biles crossed paths in San Antonio when Ronald, a single dad raising his daughter and serving in the Air Force, met Nellie, who was in college at the time.

On January 16, 1977, the couple exchanged vows and started their journey as husband and wife. Over the years, they were blessed with the arrival of two beautiful sons, adding joy and love to their growing family.

On January 16, 2017, Simone Biles took to Instagram to celebrate her parents’ 40th wedding anniversary with a heartwarming throwback photo. In the post, she exclaimed, “HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY TO MY PARENTS. They are couple goals!”

Simone Biles and her siblings were placed in foster care when she was 3

When Simone Biles was just 3 years old, she, along with her three siblings, were placed in foster care. This unfortunate event occurred due to their mother’s struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which caused her to frequently be in and out of jail. As a result, she was unable to provide the necessary care for her children.

“I don’t remember much about my time in foster care, but what I do remember is that my siblings and I were taken away from our biological mom. As a child, I held onto the hope that one day we would be reunited with her,” shared Simone Biles in the 2021 Facebook Watch series “Simone vs. Herself.”

“We were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to stay with our siblings, as many children in similar situations often get separated or shuffled between different homes,” the athlete reflected. She also shared her personal experience of going hungry as a child when she lived with her biological mother.

As a child, Simone Biles fondly remembers the joy she felt when her grandfather, Ronald Biles, would visit her foster home. This uplifting presence in her life continued to inspire her even during her time on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017.

“Every time my grandpa came to visit, I would be filled with excitement,” the athlete tearfully shared. “He was the one person I always longed to see walking through the doors of the foster home.”

Ronald and Nellie Biles adopted Simone Biles and her younger sister Adria

Simone Biles and her younger sister Adria were adopted by Ronald and Nellie Biles when Simone was just 6 years old. This revelation was made by the athlete herself during the Facebook Watch series.

The sisters decided to relocate to Texas in order to live with their grandparents. On the other hand, their two older siblings, Ashley and Tevin, remained in Ohio as they were adopted by their father’s sister.

While participating in “DWTS” in 2017, Simone Biles reminisced about a heartwarming moment with her parents. As they sat in the audience, they lovingly requested that she consider them as her Mom and Dad when she transitioned into their home.

Ronald Biles had a heartfelt conversation with her, saying, “OK, you know how you called us Grandma and Grandpa? You can call us Mom and Dad now, if you want to.”

Simone Biles called her adoption a ‘turning point’ in her life

The athlete described her adoption as a significant moment in her life, a turning point that paved the way for a better future. This heartfelt revelation was made during a particularly emotional moment in the 2021 Facebook Watch.

“I would still be Simone Biles, perhaps not the Simone Biles that the world recognizes and admires today. However, I firmly believe that everything in life happens for a reason, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to rediscover myself. It was like receiving a second chance at life,” she candidly shared.

Simone Biles’ parents enrolled her in gymnastics classes when she was young

Simone Biles’ journey to becoming an Olympic champion began when her parents decided to enroll her and her younger sister in gymnastics classes at the age of 6.

According to Nellie Biles, she said it was history from that moment onwards.

According to her proud mother, she had an unwavering dedication to attending every practice, even when she was feeling under the weather. Despite being advised to stay home, she would insist on going, emphasizing the importance of practice.

They own the gym where Simone Biles trains

In an interview with Health Magazine for its July/August 2021 issue, the renowned gymnast expressed her immense pride in her parents’ ownership of The World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas. This training facility served as her primary training ground for the Tokyo Olympics.

She emphasized the importance of representation, stating that her parents’ identity as Black gym owners serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to follow their passions.

“Children are welcome to join us in the training area, where they can witness firsthand that we are just like them,” she explained. “This experience serves as a powerful reminder that they, too, have the ability to achieve great things.”

During her appearance on “DWTS” in 2017, Simone Biles reflected on her adoption story and emphasized the profound impact of her parents’ love on her life.

“My parents were my saviors,” she expressed gratefully. “They have consistently shown me how to treat others and have provided unwavering support from the very beginning. I cannot find the right words to express my gratitude towards them.”

During her performance, she expressed her deep emotions for her parents through a beautiful Viennese Waltz. The song choice, Chris Tomlin’s “Good Good Father,” perfectly conveyed her heartfelt message.

“Maybe words can’t express it perfectly, but perhaps a dance will speak for me,” she shared, moments before her heartfelt performance brought tears to her parents’ eyes.

Simone Biles was scared at first to have future husband Jonathan Owens meet her parents

Simone Biles admitted to having some reservations before introducing her future husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, to her parents.

During the 2021 Facebook Watch series about her life, she shared her fear of taking him over there, saying, “Mama Biles, I can’t tell you how scared I was.”

“I couldn’t believe it. My parents can be quite strict,” she exclaimed. “So, don’t stress if they don’t approve of you,” she reassured.

Fortunately, everything fell into place and Owens received a great deal of love and admiration from everyone.

“He then had the opportunity to meet my brother and spend time with my family. The connection between them was instant, and I was amazed by how well they got along. Now, they even invite him over to spend time together. There was even a time when he went to their house without me. It’s truly wonderful,” she expressed.

Nellie Biles helped her daughter plan her 2023 wedding

In a January 2023 interview with People, Simone Biles disclosed that she was receiving assistance from her mother in organizing her wedding to Owens.

According to Biles, her coach plays a crucial role in her journey. Biles expressed her appreciation for her coach, stating, “She’s someone I can rely on and bounce ideas off of. She has given me the freedom to figure out what works best for us.” Biles is eager to celebrate her achievements with her close circle, and her coach is an integral part of that celebration.

“I receive advice from my mom on a wide range of topics,” she expressed. “I consider both my mom and dad as role models, not just for the values they embody, but also for the strong foundation of love and support they provide.”

In April 2023, Biles and Owens exchanged vows in an intimate courthouse wedding. They later celebrated their union with a larger destination wedding in Mexico a month later.

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