The greatest gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, also has one of the greatest support systems cheering her on in the stands, from her early days training in Houston to her performing on the biggest stage.
Ronald and Nellie Biles, Simone’s maternal grandparents who adopted her and her younger sister Adria when Simone was 6, have been a constant source of encouragement for Simone, as she competes on the national stage at the highest level (as well as when she has to step aside from competition to prioritize her mental health).
As Simone goes for the gold in Paris, look back at some of her sweetest photos with her parents, Ronald and Nellie.
Jonathan Owens with Nellie and Ronald Biles at the 2024 Olympics
As Simone takes the floor at the Women’s Team Final on July 30 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she has her husband and parents in the stands.
“Thanks for making sacrifices since day 1 so I can live out my dream. but most importantly thanks for always being there for me through all the highs and lows,” Biles once wrote on Instagram. “You guys are the absolute best. I love y’all.”
Simone Biles and Her Parents, Ronald and Nellie
Ronald and Nellie show their support for Simone wearing shirts with her quote, “Because I Can,” emblazoned on it.
Simone Biles and Her Parents, Ronald and Nellie
Ronald and Nellie accompanied Simone to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, when she was the youngest-ever recipient of the honor.
Simone Biles’ Family Celebrates Christmas
Nellie shared this sweet shot in front of the tree with their family decked out in matching jammies.
Simone Biles and Her Parents, Ronnie and Nellie
“Just be the Best Simone,” Nellie captioned this shot of the family in their Team USA gear at the time of the Tokyo Olympics.
Simone Biles’ Family Celebrates Christmas
“So happy to be home for the holidays,” Simone captured this 2017 family shot.
Simone Biles’ Family in the Gym
Magic Johnson interviewed the Biles family about Simone’s success.
Simone Biles and Her Parents Before Her First Pitch
Ronald and Nellie Biles were in the stands for a very different kind of athletic competition: watching Simone toss out the first pitch at a Houston Astros game!
Nellie and Ronald Biles at the InStyle Awards with Simone
The family gets all glammed up (and out of their red, white and blue gymnastics attire) at a 2021 event.
Simone Biles and Nellie Biles at the Sherri Hill Presentation
Simone takes her mom to fun events as well — like this New York Fashion Week moment in 2016.
Ronald and Nellie Biles Cheering Her On at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Simone’s family is just as dazzled by her skills as the rest of the world.
Nellie and Simone Biles Hug in Houston
This 2013 shot was taken during training at Biles’ gym at the time.
Simone Chats with Ronnie While Training in 2013
“[They] support me in any way possible,” Biles has said. “My parents make sure we have everything we need so that we compete to the best of our abilities.”