In the gymnastics world, where flips and somersaults reign supreme, you might think the toughest challenge is perfecting that triple twist. But for Simone Biles, the real hurdles began long before she stepped onto the mat. It was when she hardly understood the world. Her family journey was filled with ups and downs.
Biles faced challenges as a young child due to her mother Shannon’s struggles with addiction. While she shared a great bond with her siblings, they were separated when their mother’s situation forced them to be placed in foster care. However, the sun finally shined upon them when their maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife Nellie stepped in to care for them temporarily in Spring, Texas. Despite the troubles with the family, the four siblings shared a strong bond. Let’s delve deeper into their relationship.
Everything to know about Simone Biles’ siblings
Biles has three siblings – Adria Biles, Ashley Biles Thomas, and brother Tevin Biles-Thomas. The four children of Shannon Biles and Kelvin Clemons were later adopted by other family members. Ron and Nellie adopted the youngest siblings, Simone and Adria, while Ron’s sister Harriet adopted Ashley and Tevin, who remained in Cleveland, Ohio.
Despite these tough beginnings, Simone became one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Adria was also inspired by her sister and pursued gymnastics at a young age. The champ competed at the junior elite level before switching her focus to dentistry. Out of all four, Simone and Adria share an exceptionally strong bond. They are not only sisters but also best friends. From Houston stars to Biles and Owen’s wedding, Adria stood by Simone’s side. However, champion older siblings, Ashley and Tevin, face the opposite. Simone’s relationship with Ashley and Tevin is less close than her bond with Adria. Take a look at how.
The unbreakable bond between Simone and Adria
According to People, both Simone and Adria Biles are often mistaken for twins because of their similar facial features. But, they are not twins. Growing up together, both sisters cum besties developed a passion for gymnastics. Adria has always looked up to Simone as a motherly figure and became an elite gymnast for ten years. Following the legend‘s footsteps in the gym, life, and the mat, the bond seen in the pictures and reality is the same. In an op-ed for ESPN, Adria reminisced about their fearless childhood antics and Simone’s natural leadership.
Before their adoption by their grandparents, the Biles sisters spent three years in foster care, a period that strengthened Simone’s protective instincts towards Adria. This deep bond continued to grow under the loving care of their grandparents, whom Simone now considers her parents. Adria, in turn, has always admired Simone for her humility, kindness, and strength, especially during challenging times like the Tokyo Olympics when she faced mental health struggles. The younger sister has supported Simone throughout and it was evident when she publicly defended her decision to prioritize her mental health over competing in the 2020 Olympics finals.
Both of them have also experienced a taste of the spotlight due to their resemblance and Adria’s participation in the reality show “Claim to Fame.” She often shares stories of mistaken identity and the humorous situations that arise from it, highlighting the differences that set them apart despite their similar looks. However, the relationship looks different with Biles’s rest of the siblings.
The legal troubles faced by Biles’s brother
While Simone and Adria have thrived in their respective fields, their brother Tevin Biles-Thomas has faced significant legal challenges. Tevin was arrested in connection with a triple murder case. Although he was later acquitted due to a lack of evidence, this incident brought considerable attention to the Biles family, highlighting the stark contrast between Simone’s and Tevin’s lives.
Ashley Biles-Thomas, the eldest sibling, has also encountered legal issues, including multiple arrests stemming from assault and driving under the influence. Despite the challenges on the personal front and her strained ties with her biological parents as well as some of her siblings, Simone continues to focus on her career and her marriage to Jonathan Owens. She also continues to support where she can while navigating the complexities of her own dynamics.
The Biles family story is one of resilience and overcoming adversity. Simone’s journey from foster care to becoming an Olympic champion is nothing short of inspirational. Through all the ups and downs, the Biles sisters remain united, showcasing the unbreakable spirit that has defined their lives.
