Simone Biles’ Estranged Biological Mother Seeks Reconnection: A Complex Journey of Addiction, Redemption, and Hope
In a heartfelt and revealing interview, Shannon Biles, the biological mother of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, has opened up about her ongoing struggles with addiction and her deep desire to reconnect with her famous daughter.
Shannon’s story is one of pain, regret, and a hope that someday she will be able to rebuild the relationship with Simone that has been lost for over two decades.
Shannon’s journey has been anything but easy. She candidly admitted, “I was an addict, I will always be an addict,” reflecting on the battle with addiction that led her to lose custody of Simone and her siblings.
Despite her struggles, Shannon expressed her love and pride for Simone, stating that she is ready to reconnect whenever Simone is willing. However, she also emphasized that she is waiting for Simone to take the first step, saying, “I have her phone number, but I won’t call it. I want her to reach out to me.”
The complicated relationship between Simone and Shannon dates back to 2000 when Shannon signed away her parental rights.
Simone and her sister, Adria, were adopted by their maternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, who have been instrumental in Simone’s life and career.
The Biles family provided Simone with the stability and support that allowed her to thrive, leading to her extraordinary success in gymnastics, including her recent triumphs at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver.
Shannon’s past is marked by significant challenges, including multiple run-ins with the law and financial hardships.
Court records reveal that she has faced legal action 36 times for various offenses, and in 2020, she was sentenced to 180 days in prison, though the sentence was suspended.
Her struggles with addiction also led to severe financial difficulties, with a 2018 bankruptcy filing showing she had just $34 to her name.
Despite these challenges, Shannon remains hopeful for the future. She longs for a chance to sit down with Simone, to ask for forgiveness, and to move forward.
“I would like to make amends with Simone personally,” Shannon shared. “I’m just waiting for her. I would ask her to forgive me, and I’m waiting for the opportunity.”
Shannon’s desire to reconnect with Simone has sparked a mixed reaction from the public. Some believe Shannon is only interested in rekindling the relationship due to Simone’s fame and success, questioning why she hasn’t made the same efforts with her other children.
Others argue that Shannon deserves grace, noting that she has been open about her struggles and has expressed a genuine desire to be part of Simone’s life for years.
Simone, for her part, has remained relatively quiet about the situation. In a 2024 interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, she touched on her family dynamics, expressing gratitude for the second chance at life her grandparents provided. She acknowledged that she might not be the Simone Biles the world knows today if not for the stability they offered.
As Shannon Biles continues to work as a cashier at a Save-A-Lot store, she holds on to the hope that one day, Simone will reach out. Whether or not that day comes remains uncertain, but Shannon’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of family, addiction, and the enduring hope for redemption.
