After decades apart, Shanon Biles, the biological mother of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, has spoken out about her hopes for reconciliation with her daughter.
Following Simone’s remarkable performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver, Shanon expressed her desire to mend their troubled relationship during her interview with The Daily Mail.
Shanon’s struggles with substance abuse led to Simone and her siblings being placed in the care of their maternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, who later adopted them.
Since becoming sober and promising to change, Shanon has sought to reconnect with her daughter, admitting, "I would like to make amends with Simone personally — I’m just waiting for her and Adria."
Adria, Simone’s younger sister, has kept more contact with Shanon than Simone, leaving her mother longing for the chance to speak with Simone again.
With regret, Shanon reflected on her past decisions: “It was hard to give up my kids, but I had to do what I had to do. I wasn’t able to care for them.”
She acknowledged missing significant milestones in Simone’s life, including her wedding to NFL player Jonathan Owens, and feels it’s time to move forward.
Even though they’ve been apart for years, Shanon emphasized the importance of remaining patient and leaving the door open for Simone to reach out.
“What I hear about Simone I hear through my dad,” she mentioned, referring to her father, who provides updates about Simone’s life.
Despite following her daughter’s gymnastics career closely and showing pride in her achievements, Shanon admits their relationship remains strained and shy of direct contact.
With the hope for unity, Shanon maintained, "Whenever she’s ready, she’s ready. I just want her to be able to come to me and say, 'OK, let's have a sit-down.'"
Her struggles with addiction, which have left scars on various aspects of her life, led to feelings of shame and regret, particularly around her daughters’ futures.
Shanon was vocal about wanting to share her love and pride for Simone, urging her daughter not to judge her by her past choices.
“I want her to reach out to me,” Shanon stated, leaving her connection with her daughter open-ended and full of potential.
Currently working as a cashier to support herself, Shanon still resides in Ohio, away from Simone’s accomplishments and her life events.
After watching Simone’s triumphant performances from afar, Shanon threw gatherings to celebrate her daughter’s success, even as she felt excluded from the personal milestones.
“I would just ask her to forgive me. Can we move forward? Don’t judge me on my past,” she pleaded, emphasizing her longing for forgiveness.
Simone's life and training have been heavily influenced by the support of her adoptive parents, who have been integral during her rise to fame.
Shanon’s aspiration is to cultivate their relationship from the ground up as they both navigate their complicated histories.
Both parents share the painful experience of separation, and Shanon hopes to mend this, showing the series of life changes she has undergone.
“I’m very proud of her,” she concluded, affirming her continued love for Simone regardless of their past upheavals.
Shanon’s testimony reveals not just the challenges faced by families dealing with addiction but highlights the courageous pursuit of reconciliation.
These sentiments reflect real-life struggles and the emotional toll of such personal journeys and relationships.
Healing requires patience and willingness from both sides, and Shanon remains hopeful for the future with her beloved daughter.
Simone has openly shared her feelings toward her adoption process, hinting at the complex backdrop of her path to Olympic glory.
This story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of familial bonds and the potential for healing and forgiveness, signifying the power of hope.
Where this reconnection process leads is uncertain, but it fosters dialogue around family ties and the weight of the past.
Shanon’s openness is encouraging, and it’s pivotal for her to express her yearning for another chance with Simone.
For now, patience and time will dictate whether this reunion can be realized.
