Today we’re talking about Simone Biles and the strained relationship she has with her biological mother, Shanon Biles. As you might know, Shanon has struggled with addiction and had to make the incredibly difficult decision to give up Simone when she was just a toddler. Now, years later, Shanon is asking for Simone’s forgiveness as she continues to work at Save A Lot and Simone is one of the greatest gymnasts to ever do it. So, let’s get into how this all unfolded and what it means for Simone and her family.
Simone Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio. Her early childhood was very unstable due to her mother’s struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. Shanon Biles, Simone’s biological mom, was dealing with serious issues that made it impossible for her to provide a stable home for Simone and her siblings. By the time Simone was just three years old, she and her siblings were placed in foster care.
Shanon has been very open about how tough it was to let her children go, but at the time, she knew it was the only option. She was in and out of jail, and the addiction had taken over her life. It wasn’t just about not being able to provide; it was about not being able to be there at all. Shanon’s father, Ron Biles, knew this too, which is why he stepped in to help.”
Ron Biles and his wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles, decided to take in all four of Shanon’s kids. They wanted to give them the stability they desperately needed. Eventually, though, the family had to make some tough choices. Simone and her younger sister, Adria, were adopted by Ron and Nellie and moved with them to Texas. The older siblings, Ashley and Tevin, were adopted by Ron’s sister, Harriet, and stayed in Ohio.
This was a turning point in Simone’s life. She often talks about how being raised by her grandparents ‘saved her life.’ They provided the love, support, and stability that allowed Simone to become not just a great gymnast but a strong, resilient person.”
Shanon’s been sober since 2007 according to her own account and she has expressed deep regret for not being able to raise her daughter. In interviews, Shanon has talked about how she wishes she could have been there for Simone and how much she longs for her forgiveness.
But it’s clear that Simone’s strongest bond is with her adoptive parents, Ron and Nellie, who she considers her true mom and dad.
Shanon recently spoke with The Daily Mail after Simone’s history making Olympics performance.
Shanon has asked for forgiveness, but should the burden be on the child to mend the relationship, especially after everything Simone has been through? It’s a tough situation, and it makes you wonder if the responsibility should lie more with the parent who made the mistakes in the first place.
Leave a comment and let me know what you think about Simone Biles bio mom wanting Simone to reach out first to mend the relationship. Is that fair?
