The following article includes references to child abuse and sexual assault.
Simone Biles is the most accomplished gymnast of all time.
She has over 30 medals, multiple of which are Olympic medals.
Biles has been on the cover of Vogue and she is married to a professional football player.
From the outside, it sure looks like Biles is living a fantasy life.
And by many measures, she is.
But that doesn’t mean it has all been a dream.
The world-class gymnast has faced several hardships throughout her life, starting when she was a kid.
Nevertheless, Biles has kept a positive attitude about everything she has been through.
But I also believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m forever grateful for that."
Unfortunately, that fighter mentality was instilled in Biles as a child.
“I remember there was this cat around the house and I’d be so hungry.
They would feed this cat and I’m like, ‘Where the heck is my food?’
Thankfully, Biles doesn’t have those same worries about food these days.
In 2018, she shared her love of cinnamon rolls with theOlympic Channel.
Simone didn’t stay in foster care for long.
Simone and her sister then went years before seeing their mother again.
According to Simone, adoption turned out to be a positive in her life.
Simone Biles was diagnosed with ADHD
Simone Bilesdid not have an easy childhood.
Biles isn’t embarrassed to admit her diagnosis.
Others, however, have exploited Biles' diagnosis.
Biles was sure to defend herself in the wake of intense allegations.
“I have ADHD and I have taken medicine for it since I was a kid,” Bilestweeted.
But people like Simone Biles, who compete in high-impact sports, are at a higher risk.
Biles has had to endure multiple injuries throughout her career.
Some have set her back in training, but she has also competed while injured.
While on the gymnastics tour following the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, Biles cracked a rib.
“As soon as I landed the Biles in one of the shows I immediately felt it ‘crack.’
I couldn’t breathe but I continued the rest of the show.
The gymnast also competed at the 2018 World Championships with a kidney stone.
“Pain is just something I live with and that is pretty odd for my age, right?
It feels weird if I’m not in pain,” Biles said to theDaily Mailof her lifestyle.
It was later revealed that Nassar had over 500 victims.
One of them was Simone Biles.
The accomplished gymnast didn’t share with anyone that she had been abused by Nassar until 2018.
It didn’t happen!'
I would get really angry,” Biles toldVogue.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available.
Visit theRape, Abuse & Incest National internet websiteor contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
After the team competition, Biles also withdrew from her individual events, worried she might injure herself.
“I said [to my coach], ‘I’m done.
Biles’ disappointment didn’t end with her withdrawal.
The gymnast also faced backlash from the American public who didn’t understand her reasons for leaving the competition.
In addition to suffering from the twisties, Biles was grieving.
Her coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi toldPeoplethat Biles was entitled to some time off.
“I think she needs a good break.
“My heart aches for everyone involved, especially for the victims and their families.
“I ask everyone to yo respect my family’s privacy as we deal with our pain.”
Tevin spent years after his arrest trying to fight the charges, and in 2021, he was acquitted.
“This was a horrible tragedy, three families lost three family members and you know, absolutely horrific.
So, we understand emotions were running high.
At the time of the incident, Tevin was serving in the United States Army.
He also lost his cousin in the tragedy.
“I would literally tell my team, my teammates like, ‘I’m fighting demons.’
I literally felt like I was fighting my body and my mind to do these tricks.”
Biles had a difficult time explaining what was going on even to those with whom she is closest.
In April 2023, Simone Biles married Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Green Bay Packers.
The two dated for years prior after meeting on a dating app.
Owens also joked that he was the more desirable partner in the relationship.
