Simone Biles is a name that echoes across the world of gymnastics, but behind her Olympic gold and countless accolades stands a family story that’s both touching and complex. Her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, played a pivotal role in shaping the athlete she became, stepping in when she and her siblings needed a stable home the most. So, who exactly are Simone Biles' parents, and how did they become such a huge part of her life? Let’s take a closer look.

If you’ve followed Simone Biles’ journey, you’ve probably heard snippets about her adoption story. But there’s more to it than just headlines. From her early years in foster care to the loving home she found with her grandparents-turned-parents, Simone’s upbringing is as much a part of her success as her talent and hard work. This article explores the full story behind Simone Biles’ parents, including her biological parents and the emotional journey that brought her to where she is today.

Whether you're a fan of gymnastics, adoption stories, or just curious about the life of one of the greatest athletes of all time, this piece will give you the real details about Simone Biles’ parents. You’ll also get a clearer picture of how her family shaped her path, supported her through tough times, and stood by her during her most triumphant moments. Let’s break it all down, step by step.

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Table of Contents

• Biography
• Personal Details & Bio Data
• Simone Biles’ Parents: The Full Story
• Simone Biles’ Biological Parents
• How Her Parents Supported Her Gymnastics Career
• Simone Biles and Her Husband, Jonathan Owens
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography

Simone Arianne Biles (née Biles) was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio. From a young age, she showed a natural talent for gymnastics, but her path to stardom was anything but straightforward. After spending time in foster care as a child, she and her younger sister were adopted by their maternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles. The family moved to Texas, where Simone began training seriously in gymnastics.

By her early teens, Simone was already making waves in the sport. She went on to become the most decorated gymnast in World Championship history, with 30 world medals and 11 Olympic medals to her name. Her performances at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2024 Paris Games cemented her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history.

Beyond the competition floor, Simone is known for her openness about mental health, her advocacy for foster care reform, and her strong family ties. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how love, support, and resilience can help overcome even the toughest challenges.

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Personal Details & Bio Data

Simone Biles’ Parents: The Full Story

Simone Biles was raised by her adoptive parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, who are actually her maternal grandparents. When she was just six years old, she and her younger sister, Adria, were placed in foster care due to their mother’s struggles with substance abuse and instability. The situation was tough, but Ronald and Nellie stepped in and made the decision to take full responsibility for their granddaughters.

So, how did that happen? Well, Ronald was serving in the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, when he and Nellie met. After retiring from the military, they settled in Texas and eventually took in Simone and Adria, offering them a stable, loving home. It wasn’t an easy transition, but the couple embraced their new role as full-time parents and made sure their girls had everything they needed to thrive.

Simone has often spoken about how much her parents mean to her, crediting them for supporting her through countless hours of training and competition. They moved the family to Texas so she could train at a top-level facility, which played a huge part in her success. Their unwavering support helped her grow not only as an athlete but also as a person.

Simone Biles’ Biological Parents

Simone Biles’ biological parents are Shannon Biles and Kelvin Clemons. Shannon, her birth mother, struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, which ultimately led to Simone and her siblings being placed in foster care. Kelvin, her biological father, also wasn’t able to provide a stable home environment during Simone’s early years.

While Simone has never publicly expressed bitterness toward her birth parents, she has been open about the challenges of growing up in foster care. She and Adria were eventually adopted by Ronald and Nellie, giving them the family structure they needed to grow and succeed. Simone has maintained a respectful but distant relationship with her biological parents, focusing more on the family that raised her.

Over the years, Simone has used her platform to advocate for foster care reform and to speak about the importance of stable homes for children. Her own story is a powerful example of how adoption can change lives for the better.

How Her Parents Supported Her Gymnastics Career

Ronald and Nellie Biles played a huge role in Simone’s rise to the top of the gymnastics world. When Simone first started showing promise in the sport, her parents made the big decision to move the family from Ohio to Texas so she could train at a high-level facility under coach Aimee Boorman.

They supported her every step of the way, attending meets, managing her schedule, and providing the emotional backing that any elite athlete needs. They also encouraged her to speak openly about her mental health, a move that earned widespread praise during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when Simone took a step back to focus on her well-being.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the entire Biles-Owens family was there cheering her on. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, and her parents stood by her side during the women’s team final, showing just how much family means to Simone. Their presence gave her the strength to push through and continue making history in the sport.

Simone Biles and Her Husband, Jonathan Owens

In 2023, Simone married NFL player Jonathan Owens. The couple met through social media and quickly hit it off. Jonathan, a defensive back for the Green Bay Packers, has been a strong presence in Simone’s life, supporting her through the highs and lows of her career.

Together, they’ve become one of the most recognizable power couples in sports. Jonathan often attends Simone’s events, and the two share a strong bond that’s built on mutual respect and love. He’s also been vocal about supporting her mental health journey, a topic that’s close to both of their hearts.

With a loving husband and supportive parents, Simone has a strong support system that allows her to focus on her goals and continue inspiring others around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Simone Biles adopted by her parents?

Yes, Simone Biles was adopted by her maternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, when she was six years old. She and her younger sister, Adria, were placed in foster care before being adopted by their grandparents.

Who are Simone Biles' biological parents?

Simone Biles' biological parents are Shannon Biles and Kelvin Clemons. Both were unable to provide a stable home during her early years, which led to her and her siblings being placed in foster care.

How did Simone Biles’ parents support her career?

Ronald and Nellie Biles supported Simone’s gymnastics career by moving the family to Texas for better training opportunities, attending her competitions, and offering emotional support throughout her journey. They also encouraged her to prioritize mental health, especially during high-pressure events like the Olympics.

Learn more about Simone Biles’ rise to fame on our site, and find out how her family continues to support her here.