In a heartfelt and candid new interview, Simone Biles’ birth mother, Shanon Biles, opened up about the deep regret and hope she carries as she longs for a chance to reconnect with her daughter. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com following her daughters’ successful run at the Paris Olympics, 52-year-old Shanon Biles reflected on the difficult decisions she had to make due to her struggle with drug addiction—decisions that ultimately led her to give up her children, including the world-renowned gymnast, Simone Biles.
“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,” Shanon admitted, her voice filled with both sorrow and resolve. “I was still using, and [my father] didn’t want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn’t right.” Shanon’s addiction had overtaken her life when her children were young, forcing her father, Ronald, to step in and take custody of Simone and her younger sister, Adria. The girls spent time in foster care before being adopted by Ronald and his wife, Nellie, providing them with the stability that Shanon couldn’t offer at the time.
Shanon Biles, a Recovering Addict Seeks Reconciliation
Today, Shanon is a recovering addict, and while she has made significant strides in her journey toward sobriety, the road has been long and challenging. “I am a recovering addict and will always be an addict. But there’s a way [to recovery],” Shanon shared. “You have to learn to stay away from people, places, and things. Change your routine and live your life. Live your best life.”
Despite her progress, Shanon’s relationship with Simone remains distant. “What I hear about Simone, I hear through my dad. I speak to my dad all the time. We’re good now,” she explained. “If I need to know anything, I call my dad. I ask him about Simone, and he keeps me posted.” Though Shanon has Simone’s personal number, she refrains from using it, hoping that her daughter will one day reach out to her. “She’s 27 now. She’s married. I would have liked to have been a part of that, but I just have to wait for her. You can’t push anybody.”
Shanon’s story is one of redemption, but it’s also a story of patience and hope. She acknowledges the pain and loss her addiction caused, not just for herself, but for her children. Yet, she holds onto the belief that reconciliation is possible. “I would just ask her to forgive me,” Shanon said, her voice soft yet earnest. “I’m waiting for the opportunity, but I’m waiting on her to be able to come to me. Let’s sit down. I just have to be patient.”