“Don’t call and don’t visit”: Simone Biles’ biological mother breaks her silence about her adoptive parents

Shanon Biles threw a party after her daughter made a spectacular return to form at the Paris Olympics. There was a problem, however, as Simone Biles did not attend the celebration, and it was not because she was in France. The 27-year-old seven-time Olympic champion has little contact with her estranged mother.

Simone Biles and her siblings Adria, Tevin and Ashley had a difficult start in life. Simone remembers how she and her siblings “We were so focused on the food because we didn’t have much of it,” and how she resented the family cat for being fed while they were starving – one reason she never liked cats. Fortunately, her grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, stepped in and adopted Simone and Adria when they were six, while Ronald’s sister took in Tevin and Ashley.

Looking back on this time, Simone said: “Being separated from my biological mother and being placed in a foster family before being officially adopted by my grandparents gave me a better path in life.” Now, years later, Shanon Biles has broken her silence about the painful decision to give her daughters to their adoptive parents Nellie and Ronald Biles.

Ronald and Nellie decided that it would be best for Simone Biles and her sister to separate from Ronald’s daughter Shanon while she fought and worked to recover. “When we signed the (adoption) papers, it was as if my father had flipped a switch – no communication, no phone calls, no visits. That’s how it was in the beginning.” 52-year-old Shanon Biles spoke exclusively about her past Daily Mail.

Shanon Biles did not see her daughters again for the next six years. Ronald Biles told his daughters that this was essential for their transition and she respected his wishes. However, that did not make things easier for the mother. “It was hard to give up my children, but I had to do what I had to do,” she said.

“I was still doing drugs and he didn’t want me to come into his life and leave when I wasn’t right.” added the 52-year-old. Although Simone Biles’ biological mother admitted that she argued relentlessly with her parents when adopting her daughters, she later understood why Ronald and Nellie Biles made the right decision.

Simone Biles found the loving home that fueled her rise to gymnast status

Shortly after Ronald and Nellie Biles adopted the girls, the then six-year-old fell in love with gymnastics during a day care outing. Since then, her adoptive parents have been a great support to her. “It’s been a long road, but their support means everything to me,” This is what Simone Biles said in April 2024 before her historic Olympic comeback.

The only time Ronald and Nellie missed one of their competitions was during the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Today, Simone, now 27, is the most successful gymnast in history. In Paris, she won three gold and one silver medals – including the coveted all-around gold. She knows that none of this would have been possible without Nellie and Ronald’s tireless efforts.

“I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am now if that turning point hadn’t happened,” she thought. “I would still be Simone Biles, probably not the Simone Biles that everyone knows, that the world knows. But I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and I am eternally grateful for that because I definitely got a second chance at life.”

It might also have been impossible if Shanon Biles had remained a part of her life despite her problems. “I didn’t understand it then, but years later I understood why,” she told the Daily Mail. Now, after years of estrangement, Simone Biles’ biological mother hopes to one day reconnect with her daughters and ask for their forgiveness. What do you think about this complex journey and Shanon Biles’ wish? Share your thoughts in the comments below!