Who Are Simone Biles Parents? All about Ronald and Nellie Biles

Simone Biles’ journey to greatness in gymnastics is a tale of talent, perseverance, and profound love and support. At the heart of her success is the unique and transformative bond she shares with her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, whose unwavering dedication laid the foundation for her rise as one of the greatest athletes of all time. While the world marvels at her gravity-defying flips and record-breaking achievements, her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles’ unwavering support form the backbone of her success. Their story is one of sacrifice, love, and resilience, and it is a reminder that family can redefine itself unexpectedly.

Adopted at age six, Simone found a home and a foundation that allowed her to soar. Ronald and Nellie’s journey from raising their children to becoming adoptive parents of a future icon proves the transformative power of love and dedication. It establishes that the right environment can change the course of a life and inspire greatness.

Who are Simone Biles’ parents?

Simone Biles’ parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, are the pillars of her life and success. Though not her biological parents, they adopted Simone and her younger sister Adria when Simone was just six years old, stepping into their roles with unwavering love and dedication. Ronald, Simone’s maternal grandfather, and Nellie, his wife, took in the girls after Simone’s biological mother struggled with substance abuse issues that left her unable to care for her children. Ronald and Nellie’s support provided Simone with a stable and loving home in Spring, Texas, setting the stage for her incredible journey to becoming one of the greatest gymnasts ever.

How did Ronald and Nellie Biles meet?

Ronald Biles was serving in the Air Force and raising his daughter Shannon Biles, Simone’s biological mother, as a single father when he met Nellie in San Antonio, Texas. Nellie, at the time, was a nursing student. The two fell in love and tied the knot on January 16, 1977. They went on to have two sons, Ronald Jr. and Adam, and later adopted Simone and Adria, completing their close-knit family.

When did Ronald and Nellie Biles adopt Simone and Adria?

In 2003, when Simone was six years old, Ronald and Nellie Biles adopted her and Adria. The girls had spent years in foster care after being removed from their biological mother’s custody due to her struggles with addiction. While in foster care, Simone often longed for visits from her grandfather Ronald, describing him as the person she always wanted to see. The adoption marked a turning point in Simone’s life, giving her the stability and love she needed to thrive.

What challenges did Nellie Biles face as an adoptive mother?

Nellie Biles has been candid about the emotional challenges she faced when becoming an adoptive mother. Initially, she struggled to bond with Simone and Adria, as she was already raising two biological sons. In the Facebook Watch series Simone vs. Herself, Nellie revealed that she prayed for the bond to grow, and over time, her feelings transformed. She realized she would do anything for Simone and Adria, marking the moment she felt like their true mother. Nellie’s love and devotion became a cornerstone of Simone’s life.

How did Ronald and Nellie Biles support Simone’s gymnastics journey?

Ronald and Nellie Biles were instrumental in nurturing Simone’s talent from the very beginning. Simone’s journey in gymnastics began at age six after a daycare field trip to a local gym, where coaches immediately recognized her natural ability and urged her to enrol in classes. From that point, Ronald and Nellie ensured Simone never missed a practice, often driving her to sessions and ensuring she had the proper equipment and attire. Their dedication also extended to emotional support; they cheered her on at every competition and celebrated her milestones, creating a strong foundation that allowed Simone’s passion and skills to flourish. Coaches immediately recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to enrol in classes. Ronald and Nellie supported her every step of the way, ensuring she never missed a practice and providing the resources she needed to pursue her passion. In 2014, they opened the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas, so Simone could continue training with her coach without switching gyms.

Why are Ronald and Nellie Biles’ presence so crucial to Simone?

Ronald and Nellie Biles have been present at nearly all of Simone’s competitions, providing her unwavering support. Their absence during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 restrictions was particularly challenging for Simone. She expressed how much she missed seeing them in the crowd, as finding them in the audience was part of her pre-performance ritual. Despite the distance, they stayed connected through frequent video calls, which became a lifeline for Simone as she navigated the immense pressures of the Games. These calls gave her a sense of normalcy and comfort, allowing her to feel the presence of her parents’ unwavering support even from miles away. Simone has often described these moments as crucial in helping her regain focus and reminding her that she was not alone in her journey.

What role did Simone’s parents play in her mental health journey?

Ronald and Nellie Biles have been steadfast advocates for Simone’s mental health. When Simone struggled with self-confidence early in her career, they encouraged her to see a sports psychologist to help her regain her composure and focus. Their guidance proved invaluable during the Tokyo Olympics, where Simone experienced the “twisties,” a dangerous mental block that left her unable to perform safely. During a critical phone call, Nellie’s calm and reassuring words helped Simone prioritize her well-being over competing, reinforcing the importance of self-care. “You don’t need to push yourself,” Nellie told her. “The last thing I want is to see you injure yourself. Take care of yourself first.” These heartfelt words gave Simone the clarity and support she needed during a pivotal moment.

How do Ronald and Nellie Biles maintain a close relationship with Simone?

Simone shares a deep bond with her parents and is often grateful for their sacrifices and support. She frequently posts heartfelt tributes to them on social media, celebrating their love and guidance. Nellie and Ronald’s involvement extends beyond gymnastics; they played a significant role in planning Simone’s 2023 wedding to NFL player Jonathan Owens.

FAQs

Are Ronald and Nellie Biles Simone’s biological parents? Ronald is Simone’s maternal grandfather, and Nellie is his wife. They adopted Simone and her younger sister, Adria, in 2003.

What do Ronald and Nellie Biles do for a living? Ronald is a retired air traffic controller, and Nellie previously co-owned a chain of nursing homes. They now own and operate the World Champions Centre, where Simone trained.

How did Ronald and Nellie Biles influence Simone’s success? Their unwavering support, love, and dedication provided Simone with a stable foundation to pursue her passion for gymnastics. Their influence has been pivotal, from opening a training facility to encouraging her mental health journey.

What challenges did Simone face growing up? Simone spent years in foster care before being adopted by Ronald and Nellie. She has spoken about the hunger and fear she experienced during that time and credits her adoption with giving her a second chance at life.

How does Simone show appreciation for her parents? She frequently shares heartfelt messages about them on social media and credits them as her biggest supporters. Their love and guidance remain central to her life and career.

What is the World Champions Centre? Ronald and Nellie Biles own the 56,000-square-foot gymnastics facility in Spring, Texas. It is a training ground for gymnasts of all levels, including Olympians.