"Can you imagine suddenly taking in four children?" - When Simone Biles opened up about being adopted by her grandparents from foster care

In her 2016 book "Courage to Soar", Simone Biles reflected on her grandmother facing a challenge when she was asked to take in the four siblings including Biles and her younger sister Adria from foster care. Ron and Nellie Biles were nearing the end of raising their children and were looking forward to a more relaxed lifestyle, including the possibility of travel.

However, when the grandchildren were placed in foster care due to their mother's drug addiction, the family dynamic changed dramatically. With little experience in raising children who were unfamiliar to her and a limited relationship with them, Biles' adoptive mother had to navigate an entirely new reality.

"Can you imagine suddenly taking in four children? For my grandma, that wasn’t an easy decision, because she didn’t know us very well back then. My grandpa had visited us in Ohio often, but grandma Nellie had been with him only a few of those times," Simone Biles wrote. "She usually stayed at home with their two sons, Ron II and Adam. Ron was sixteen and a high school sophomore; Adam was fourteen and a freshman."

Biles further shared that taking in four children was not only a physical but also an emotional commitment. The decision was further complicated by concerns about her ability to provide the necessary care. At the time, her adoptive mother had a successful nursing career and envisioned retirement, not the demands of raising young children. This difficult choice, balancing personal aspirations with the needs of a growing family, set the stage for Biles' journey with her grandparents shaping her future success.

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Simone Biles reflects on being adopted by her grandparents, Nellie and Ron Biles

Simone Biles (2nd from right) with her family [Source: Instagram/ @adria_biles]

The decorated gymnast Simone Biles credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her adoptive parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, who adopted her and her sister, Adria, at age six. Her early life, marked by separation from her biological mother and placement in foster care, profoundly shaped her path. Reflecting on the experience, the Olympic champion said (via Hello!):

"I feel like I wouldn't be where I am unless that turning point happened. I would still be Simone Biles, probably not Simone Biles that everybody else knows, the world knows. But I also believe everything happens for a reason, and I'm forever grateful for that because I definitely got a second shot at life."

Biles' adoptive parents played a crucial role in her success, providing the love and encouragement that fueled her aspirations. Their support was especially evident during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics when she faced mental health challenges due to the 'twisties', which made it difficult for her to trust her body during routines, risking injury. Throughout this difficult time, her adoptive parents' steadfast presence and sacrifices helped her pursue her dreams.