Olympic champion Simone Biles has inspired millions worldwide with her incredible talent, resilience, and dedication to gymnastics. However, beyond her athletic achievements, her personal story is equally compelling. Recently, Simone’s birth mother, Shanon Biles, has spoken publicly about her hope to reconcile with her daughter after years of estrangement.
Shanon Biles Speaks Out
Following Simone’s triumphant return from the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she earned four medals, her birth mother, Shanon Biles, expressed a deep desire to reconnect with her. In a recent interview, she openly shared her wish to ask Simone for forgiveness and to move forward together.
“I would like to make amends with Simone personally – I’m just waiting for her and [her younger sister] Adria,” Shanon said. “I speak to Adria more than I speak to Simone. I would just ask her to forgive me. Can we move forward? Don’t judge me on my past. Let’s move forward.”
Shanon’s plea has sparked conversations about their past, the circumstances that led to their separation, and whether Simone is ready for such a reconciliation.
A Difficult Childhood
Simone Biles had a challenging start in life. As a young girl, she and her three siblings faced an unstable home environment. Shanon, struggling with personal challenges, was unable to provide the necessary care, leading to her children entering the foster care system.
“I don’t remember a lot about foster care, but I definitely knew that we had been taken from our biological mom, and then you just think you’re going to go back to her,” Simone shared in a previous interview.
However, her life took a different turn when her maternal grandfather, Ronald Biles, and his wife, Nellie, stepped in. They adopted Simone and her sister, Adria, providing them with a stable and loving home. Simone’s other two siblings were adopted by another relative, ensuring that they remained within the extended family.
A Long Period of No Contact
For the first six years following the adoption, Shanon was not permitted to have contact with Simone or Adria. According to her, this was a decision made by Ronald Biles, who wanted to ensure stability for the young girls.
“When we signed the [adoption] papers, it was like my dad flipped a switch on me – no communication, don’t call, and don’t visit,” Shanon explained. “That’s how it was at the beginning.”
At the time, Shanon admitted she was still working through personal challenges, and Ronald likely felt it was best for Simone and Adria to have a structured and secure upbringing without disruptions. Over time, however, Shanon came to understand the reasons behind this decision.
A Journey of Recovery and Growth
Today, Shanon Biles identifies as someone who has worked hard to improve her life and remains committed to her personal growth.
“I’m not the person I used to be. I’m okay today. I’m a loving person. I’d give you the shirt off my back,” she shared, emphasizing that she is different from how she has been portrayed in the past.
Despite these changes, her relationship with Simone has yet to develop. While she remains in contact with her father, she says that all news about Simone comes through him.
Waiting for Simone to Reach Out
Shanon has Simone’s phone number but has chosen not to call her. Instead, she hopes that one day, Simone will be ready to initiate contact.
“I can’t keep dwelling on it. Whenever she’s ready, I’m here and willing to receive,” Shanon said. “I want her to reach out to me. She’s 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her. You can’t push anybody.”
Her words highlight the delicate nature of estranged family relationships. Healing takes time, and she acknowledges that reconciliation cannot be forced.
A Message for Simone
In her heartfelt plea, Shanon directed a message to Simone, hoping for an open and honest conversation.
“I would like to sit down and talk to you and answer any questions you may have. I don’t know what you’ve been told, but I want you to hear the real deal.”
Her statement underscores the complexity of family narratives. Over the years, Simone may have developed her own understanding of her past, and Shanon hopes to provide her side of the story.
Simone’s Perspective
Simone Biles has remained private about her personal family relationships, focusing primarily on her career, advocacy, and marriage to Jonathan Owens. While she has shared bits of her childhood experience, she has not publicly commented on her mother’s recent statements.
It is understandable that she may need time and space to process such a significant emotional issue. Many individuals who have gone through adoption or estrangement from biological parents experience a range of emotions when considering reconnection.
The Importance of Family Healing
Shanon’s journey is one of personal transformation, and her desire for forgiveness is a sentiment many can relate to. However, every family’s healing process looks different. Simone has built a life filled with love, achievement, and support, and any decision regarding her relationship with her birth mother will likely be made on her own terms.
For now, Shanon continues to wait with hope, respecting that healing cannot be rushed. Whether or not the two reconnect in the near future, their story highlights the importance of family, second chances, and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between Simone Biles and her birth mother, Shanon, is a deeply personal and emotional journey. While Shanon hopes for reconciliation, only time will tell if Simone is ready to take that step. Regardless of the outcome, their story serves as a reminder that family bonds, even when strained, often hold a place of significance in our lives.
What do you think about Shanon Biles’ public message to her daughter? Should Simone reconnect with her birth mother? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
