Simone Biles is one of the most celebrated gymnasts in the world, having won numerous medals and accolades that have made her a household name. However, her journey has not been easy, as it is marked by a complicated relationship with her birth mother, Shanon Biles.
Shanon, 52, living in Columbus, Ohio, had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years. This made it impossible for her to care for Simone and her sister Adria. To protect the two girls, Simone’s paternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie, took Simone and Adria in to live with them in Texas when Simone was just 6 years old.
Shanon shared that it was extremely difficult for her to have to abandon her children. “Giving up my kids was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I had to do what I had to do. I couldn’t take care of them. I was still using drugs and my dad didn’t want me around the kids when I wasn’t stable.”
Currently, Shanon wishes to meet and apologize to Simone. She shared: “I want to reconcile with Simone – I’m just waiting on her and Adria. I talk to Adria more than I do Simone. I just want to apologize to her. Can we just move forward? Don’t judge me on my past. Let’s just move forward.”
Shanon abandoned her daughters Simone and Adria when Simone was 6. Image Credit: Daily Mail.
However, Shanon understands that she needs to be patient and wait until Simone is ready to accept her. “Simone is 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her,” Shanon said. “You can’t push anybody. It hasn’t happened yet, but I have patience. I’m waiting on her.”
Shanon faced significant financial and legal troubles due to her past drug and alcohol addiction. Image Credit: Daily Mail.
Shanon’s life still has many challenges, including 21 outstanding debts and living in an old, rundown house in a dangerous neighborhood. In 2018, she filed for bankruptcy, owning little and owing over $14,000. She had two unusable cars and listed her homeware, electronics, clothes, shoes, and jewelry, which were worth $9,650.
Despite these challenges, Shanon holds deep love and pride for her daughter. “I do have a direct number, but I won’t use it. I want her to reach out to me,” she said. “Simone is 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her.”
Simone’s birth mother revealed that she hosted a party to celebrate her daughter’s medals. Image Credit: Getty.
Since 2022, Shanon has turned her life around, staying out of trouble and working as a cashier at a discount grocery store. She hopes that one day, Simone will accept her apology and give them both a chance to mend their relationship.
Shanon hopes Simone will accept her apology and reconcile. Image Credit: Instagram
The story of Simone Biles and her birth mother Shanon is a complex and emotional one, filled with the struggles of addiction, the heartbreak of abandonment, and the hope of reconciliation. As Simone continues to inspire millions with her athletic excellence, her personal journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of forgiveness.
