The biological mother of American gymnast Simone Biles has publicly reached out asking for forgiveness, after years of no contact.
The adrenaline of the 2024 Paris Olympics has finally settled down for the competing athletes, which included the inimitable Simone, who took home four medals during the Games - three of which were gold.
As the most decorated gymnast in history, Simone now holds a total of 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals.
Following her inspiring wins, Biles wrote on Instagram: "Such an honor. I haven’t found the right words to describe my olympic experience, it’s been a whirlwind… but I do know, I’ll be forever grateful to represent the United States", shortly before posting photos of her enjoying life in the French capital.
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Though it seems her peaceful state of mind is now under threat, as her biological mother has come forward in a bid for forgiveness.
Shanon Biles, 52, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction which led to losing custody of Biles and her siblings, has given an interview to the Daily Mail.
In the interview, she acknowledged that the hurt she had caused had led to her having no involvement in Simone's current life, and that the athlete moved in with her grandparents - Ronald and Nellie Biles - aged six.
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Shanon said: "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. I was still using and [my father] didn't want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn't right."
Shanon continued: "I would like to make amends with Simone personally – I'm just waiting for her and [her sister] Adria. I speak to Adria more than I speak to Simone. I would just ask her to forgive me. Can we move forward? Don't judge me on my past. Let's move forward.
"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."
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Shanon also shared that she asks her dad, who became Simone's dad, for information.
She said: "If I need to know anything I call my dad. I ask him about Simone, and he keeps me posted."
Shanon added that when she initially signed the adoption papers, she agreed to go no contact with Simone and her siblings for their best interests.
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Shanon recounted: "I didn't understand at the time but years later, I understood why. I had to deal with me first."
Simone has always publicly thanked Ronald and Nellie for their exemplary parenting and for the love and stability they have provided her with.
In an interview with TODAY, she said: "If not for my parents and adoption, I wouldn't be here today."
She has also expressed her gratitude towards them on Instagram in the past, writing: "Appreciation post for my sweet parents. thanks for making sacrifices since day 1 so I can live out my dream."
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Tyla has reached out to representatives of Simone Biles for comment.
Topics: Simone Biles, Olympics, Sport, Parenting
Kya Buller