Simone Biles Was Adopted by Her Biological Grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles
In 2017, Simone explained that her biological mother often struggled with alcohol and drug abuse, and was in and out of jail.
Updated July 17 2024, 3:33 p.m. ET
After taking a break from the Tokyo Olympics and returning in the summer of 2023, with plans to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, Simone Biles has proven to herself and the world that she is one of the greatest gymnasts in the history of the sport. Her extraordinary strength throughout her career has led many to wonder about the people who raised her.
Simone wasn't raised by her biological mother, Shannon Biles. Instead, two very important people stepped up to claim the role of her parents. Here's everything you need to know about Simone's parents and her biological mom and dad.
Simone Biles with her parents (who also happen to be her grandparents)
Who are Simone Biles's parents?
Throughout her career as a competitive gymnast, Simone has received support from her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles. Ronald is Simone's maternal grandfather, and Nellie is his wife, and the couple adopted Simone and her sister, Adria in 2003. At the time, Simone and Adria had been in and out of foster care for several years. Simone's other siblings, Tevin and Ashley, were adopted by Ronald's sister.
As Simone explained during Dancing With the Stars in 2017, her biological mother often struggled with alcohol and drug abuse and was in and out of jail as a result.
"I never had mom to run to. I do remember always being hungry and afraid," she said.
Ronald insisted that she call him "dad" and Nellie "mom" following the adoption, and Simone happily complied with the request.
"My parents saved me," the gymnast said. "They’ve set huge examples of how to treat other people, and they’ve been there to support me since day one. There’s nothing I could say to them to thank them enough."
Ronald and Nellie made headlines in 2016 when they were in Rio to support Simone during the Olympics. In Tokyo, they weren't allowed to attend because of COVID, but the couple remain a huge part of Simone's support structure.
Nellie Biles struggled with the adoption initially.
Although the relationship between Simone and her parents is great now, Nellie admitted during the Facebook Watch docuseries Simone vs. Herself that it took some time for her and Simone to bond. “I remember praying for that bonding,” Nellie said. “Because telling them that you love them and you care for them; that’s all words.
"But then you wake up one day, and you realize that you would do anything for these children," she continued. "And that you would die for these children. And when that feeling comes, that’s when you know you are truly a mother."
Although Nellie and Ronald couldn't be with Simone in Tokyo, they offered plenty of support via social media, and Simone made it clear that she wasn't happy to be leaving them behind.
Who is Simone Biles's biological mom?
Simone Biles' biological parents are Kevin Clemons and Shanon Biles. Shanon is a former drug addict who gave up Simone when she was just six years old, per DailyMail. In a 2016 interview with the media outlet, Shanon recalled, "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. That’s how it was at the beginning."
Although Simone had a rough upbringing due to her mother's past issues with drugs and alcohol, her grandparents have been there for her every step of the way. Ronald and Nellie Biles adopted Simone, providing her with a stable and loving home, allowing her to flourish into one of the greatest gymnasts in history.
