Simone Biles fights back tears as she reveals ‘I wouldn’t be here’ without adoption in emotional Today show interview
USA Olympics star Simone Biles has opened up on her family dynamic in an emotional interview on the Today show.
The gymnast heads home from Paris having won three gold medals and a silver during her 2024 “Redemption Tour.”
3
Ronald (left) and Nellie (right) adopted Simone Biles when she was 6Credit: instagram/@simonebiles
3
Simone Biles’ incredible medal haul in Paris came after she left Tokyo 2020 early due to the twistiesCredit: Getty
Biles was quick to champion her adoptive parents Ronald and Nellie as she sat down with NBC host Hoda Kotb on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old was placed in foster care at age 3 due to her mother Shanon’s substance abuse issues.
Ronald, Biles’ grandfather and Shanon’s father, adopted Simone and her younger sister Adria when Biles was 6.
“You were someone who dreamt of being a gymnast, and you’re here today,” Today host Kotb told Biles.
“So, if you had to answer this question – ‘If not for blank, I would not be here today.’ If not for blank … who’s that person?”
“If not for my parents and adoption, I wouldn’t be here today,” Biles replied, with Kotb beaming back, “That is beautiful.”
Biles recently opened up about her family dynamic to Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
“It’s crazy explaining to people because I’m like, ‘My biological mom is also my dad’s daughter, and I call him dad’,” she explained.
“So it’s just like, everybody’s hella confused.
“It’s a whole family tree that you’re like, ‘Don’t make me explain it.’
Simone Biles left in tears and was ‘bawling my eyes out’ after emotional moment with Olympic teammate Jordan Chiles
“My parents are my parents. I got chosen. Feeling blessed.”
Fans were quick to praise Biles for her answer on the Today couch, where the gymnast appeared close to tears.
“Love how open she is about everything. From early in her childhood to today. She is giving little girls hope. You rock, Simone!!!” wrote one fan in response on Instagram.
“As an adoptive mom, this hit me in all the feels. I hope my daughter feels the same some day,” said another.
‘Mother hen’ Biles
Simone Biles’ first coach Aimee Boorman exclusively told The U.S. Sun that she thinks Biles will be spurred by a new role this year.
“Having younger teammates benefits her because she has stepped in as the mother hen figure,” said Aimee.
“And so she has to tell them to stay calm. You’ve got this. You’re prepared. And so as she’s saying it, she’s also hearing it.
“You always have tiny kids that come into the gym, but they’re never ripped like Simone was,” she said.
“I know she was very self-conscious about it growing up. But from a coaching perspective, it was great.
“I didn’t think that Simone would be a multi gold medal athlete straight away.
“But she did stand out because she was very tiny, but very muscular.”
“Awesome examples for all of us,” added a third.
“Your parents did an amazing job with you,” commented a fourth.
Biles opened up about her adoption on an episode of Dancing With The Stars in April 2017.
“Growing up, my biological mom was suffering from drug and alcohol abuse and she was in and out of jail,” she explained.
“I never had mom to run to. I do remember always being hungry and afraid. At 3 years old, I was placed in foster care.
“Whenever we had visits with my grandpa [Ronald], I was so excited.
“That was the person I always wanted to see walk into the foster home.
“My parents saved me. They’ve set huge examples of how to treat other people, and they’ve been there to support me since day one.”
Biles, 27, has yet to rule out returning for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Never say never,” she told reporters on Saturday, with a smile.
“The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know.”
“But I am getting really old,” she joked.
3
The pair were in Paris to watch Biles win four medals at this year’s OlympicsCredit: Getty
