Did you know that Simone Biles’ parents, Nellie and Ronald Biles, are her biological grandparents?

Simone and her 3 siblings were placed in foster care due to their biological mother’s battle with drug and alcohol addiction. The Olympic gymnast spent 3 years in the foster care system, and described constantly feeling “hungry and afraid” in foster homes during her time on Dancing with the Stars.

Even before the adoption, their home was marked by unconditional love and unwavering support. “Whenever we had visits with my grandpa, I was so excited,” she mused on DWTS. “That was the person I always wanted to see walk in the foster home.” At 6-years-old, Simone and her sister Adria were adopted by Nellie and Ronald.

“I remember praying for that bonding…” Nellie shared in the Facebook Watch series, Simone Vs. Herself, “because telling them that you love them and you care for them; that’s all words. But then you wake up one day, and you realize that you would do anything for these children. And that you would die for these children. And when that feeling comes, that’s when you know you are truly a mother.”

In the same series, Simone has described her experience in foster care and her adoption as “a second shot at life.” And just look at what this second shot has come to be. This, coupled with Simone’s individual drive and passion, is the impact of a safe, loving, and supportive home.

With the exception of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Nettie and Ronald have never missed a competition of Simone’s. They even opened a gym to employ her longtime coach, Aimee Boorman.

Simone’s parents are an incredible example of a couple that saw children in their own family in need of a fair chance at life, stepped in, and never looked back. Not only did they give their children a home, they gave them the world.

Written by Taylor Melvin, Marketing Communications Specialist at FIVE18 Family Services