The most decorated gymnast in history has been asked to forgive and make amends by her biological mother, Shanon Biles.
At the Paris Olympics, the 27-year-old competed for Team USA and took home three golds in the vault, all-around, and team competitions, along with a silver in the floor final.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Shanon expressed her hope that her biological daughter may get in touch with her in the future. Shanon hosted a party in her Columbus, Ohio garden after Simone’s incredible Olympic performance.
She wishes Simone would pardon her for leaving the gymnast and her brothers behind when she was battling alcohol and drug abuse.
“It was difficult to part from my children, but I had no choice. I could not take care of them. She told the publication, “I was still using, and [my father] didn’t want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn’t right.
Following a period of time spent in and out of foster care, Shanon’s father Ronald and his wife Nellie adopted Simone and her sister Adria, who lived with them in Texas. Tevin and Ashley, Shanon’s two oldest children, were then placed in the care of Ronald’s sister Harriet in Cleveland.
“I had a stubborn mindset. “I want to see my kids, why are you doing this to me?” I yelled, indifferently. Years later, I realised why, even though I hadn’t comprehended at the time. I have to take care of myself first,” the fifty-two-year-old thought.
Shanon identified as “a recovering addict and will always be an addict” despite the fact that she is now clean and sober.
However, there is a path [to healing]. You must learn to avoid certain individuals, locations, and objects. Live your life and alter your routine. “Live life to the fullest.”
Shanon maintains communication with Kevin Clemons, Simone’s biological father, who resides in Cleveland and has experienced addiction in the past.
Shanon claims that although he doesn’t communicate with his daughter, he is just as eager to get back in touch and establish a rapport with the gymnast.
Each of us is eager to see her. I speak with him frequently. “If you talk to Simone, please offer my number to her,” he says. I wish we could speak with her. But even with her, I can’t communicate. I have to deal with my father.”
While Shanon was not invited to the Houston courtroom where Simone married NFL star Jonathan Owens last year, he did mention that he stays in touch with Simone’s sister Adria.
She also disclosed that, although she has Simone’s phone number, she has never given it to her and feels that Simone ought to initiate contact.
“I have patience, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m holding out for her.
Simone previously won hearts with her “lovely” remark about her adoptive parents after her outstanding Olympic performance in Paris.
She said to Hoda Kotb of The Today Show, “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my parents and adoption.”
Leave a Reply