Simone Biles’ parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, have played significant roles in her life and career. Here’s a closer look at their backgrounds and contributions:
### Ronald Biles
– **Background:** Ronald Biles is Simone’s biological father. He served in the U.S. Air Force and has worked in various capacities throughout his career.
– **Role in Simone’s Life:** Ronald was a supportive figure in Simone’s early life. However, he struggled with substance abuse, which led to a strained relationship with Simone and her mother. He is not as prominently involved in Simone’s gymnastics career, but he remains a part of her life.
### Nellie Biles
– **Background:** Nellie Biles is Simone’s maternal grandmother who adopted Simone and her sister Adria after their biological mother struggled with substance abuse. Nellie and her husband, Ronald, raised the girls in Houston, Texas.
– **Role in Simone’s Life:** Nellie has been a pivotal figure in Simone’s life. She and her husband took on the responsibility of raising Simone and Adria when their biological mother, Shanon, was unable to care for them. Nellie has been a constant source of support and encouragement for Simone throughout her gymnastics career. She has been actively involved in Simone’s training and has often been seen cheering her on at competitions.
### Their Influence on Simone Biles
– **Support System:** Ronald and Nellie’s support, especially Nellie’s, has been crucial to Simone’s success. Nellie’s commitment to providing a stable and supportive environment allowed Simone to focus on her gymnastics career.
– **Public Presence:** While Ronald is less publicly visible in Simone’s professional life, Nellie has been a prominent presence at competitions and has shared her pride and support for Simone publicly.
Overall, Simone Biles’ parents have had varying degrees of influence on her life and career, with Nellie playing a particularly integral role in her journey to becoming one of the most decorated gymnasts in history.
