Simone Biles' Biological Mother Speaks Out

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has a difficult backstory, but she overcame the adversity to become one of the best gymnasts in history.

According to Radar Online, the gymnast's biological mom, Shanon Biles, struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, and as a result signed over parental rights to Simone and her younger sister, Adria, in 2000. Shanon's parents, Ron and Nellie Biles, adopted the girls and have cared for them ever since. Shanon, while thankful that her daughters are safe and loved, doesn't exactly like how she's been portrayed publicly during coverage of the Olympic Games.

This week, Shanon vented to TMZ Sports, claiming Ron made her look bad during an interview with NBC. "I feel like they're defaming my character, because I know what happened. I was struggling back then, but I've gotten better. Life goes on, and that's my past," she said. "I feel like he didn't have to be so harsh about it...He could've been a little bit more classy with it. He didn't have to put me under the bus like that."

Shanon revealed to the Daily Mail that she was estranged from her children until she got clean, which she resented at first, but grew to appreciate later. "When we signed the [adoption] papers, it was like my dad flipped a switch on me—no communication, don't call, and don't visit. That's how it was at the beginning," Shanon said. "It took me six years before I saw my children again. I was respecting my dad to let the kids transition, he felt that was the best thing for them. It was hard to give up my kids but I had to do what I had to. I wasn't able to care for them," she admitted. "I was still using and he didn't want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn't right...I didn't understand it at the time but years later, I understood why. I had to deal with me first."

Shanon says she has been sober since 2007 and has focused on improving her relationship with her daughters. "We have vacationed together," she told TMZ. "I was invited when [Simone] won her first title...We went on a cruise together in 2009, that was like a family reunion...I've been invited in October when she goes on her signing tour." Despite her past struggles, Shanon is, above all, a very proud parent. "I just want to say I love you, Simone. I'm so proud of you! Go Team USA and I'll talk to you and see you when I can!"