Adria Biles, like her gymnastics legend sister, Simone Biles, was a standout gymnast until fate had other plans for her in 2016. The Biles sisters share a tight-knit bond. Despite only being separated by around two years, Adria saw Simone as a parent figure from a very young age. The Biles sisters were put in foster care for three years before their grandparents adopted them. During the time, Simone leaned into her role as a protective big sister.
Over the years, in addition to being Simone’s sister, Adria has also been her best friend and staunchest ally. Adria did, however, give up gymnastics due to Simone’s domineering presence in the sport. Recently, Simone’s sister posted an appalling memory that showed her remorse for her decision.
Watch: Simone Biles’ sister shares a glimpse of her tumble
Adria began competing in gymnastics at age nine, while Simone began at age six. In 2015, Adria followed Simone’s footsteps and even reached Level 9 (out of 10). Adria took part in a media-sharing trend titled, “Everybody add a flip,” and added a double backflip video on the floor on her Instagram story. The flawless performance was accompanied by the caption, “I miss it everyday” with a red heart.
After completing her studies in dental assisting in high school, Adria chose to give up gymnastics. Once Simone Biles posted a story in April 2021 on how younger siblings frequently outperform older siblings in professional sports. “Uh oh @adria_biles you better get back in the gym sister,” Simone wrote, tagging Adria. “Oh, that’s all you, sister,” Adria replied, adding “not the case in this case.” Although, many people mistake Adria for Simone since she’s 5’2″, she resembles the 4’8″ Simone like a twin would. Adria didn’t quit gymnastics for that reason though.
Adria was at Level 9, and she needed to be at least a Level 10 to compete in junior elite competitions, which also wasn’t the real reason behind her exit. It was not the results of the events that caused Adria to quit either (quite the opposite, though); it was pressure. In an interview, Simone clarified that both the gymnasts were winning equally at the time. However, “people thought that wasn’t fair, and she was just tired of people talking about it.” Many years later, in an Instagram Ask Me Anything, Adria was asked whether she regretted giving up gymnastics to which she said, “I do.” Despite the decision and the guilt, both sisters share a tight bond and, over the years, learned to embrace one another.
Biles’ girls’ bond goes beyond sisterhood
When Simone Biles’s biological mother, Shanon, was deemed unfit to take care of the girl due to alcohol and drug addiction, in 2000, she and her baby sister ended up in foster care. Before their grandparents adopted them, Biles and Adria spent three years in foster care and Biles felt “extremely fortunate” not to be split apart. Adria once claimed that Simone was “bossy” and that they got into arguments “all the time.” Adria was Simone’s bridesmaid at her wedding last year, so she was aware that it was all love.
