Simone Biles’ story of success is inextricably linked to the unwavering support of her father, Ronald Biles. As of December 14, 2025, the narrative of the most decorated gymnast of all time continues to highlight the profound impact of adoption, with Ronald and his wife, Nellie, being the central, loving figures in her life and career. The latest updates from the 2024 Summer Olympics and recent family milestones paint a clear picture of a supportive, present, and deeply loved father figure who has been the bedrock of her journey.
The term "Simone Biles' father" actually refers to two men: Ronald Biles, her adoptive father and biological grandfather, and Kelvin Clemons, her biological father. This complex family history, rooted in love, sacrifice, and second chances, is a critical part of the Olympian's identity, emphasizing that family is defined by love and commitment, not just biology.
Ronald Biles: The Adoptive Father and Pillar of Support
Ronald Biles is the man Simone Biles calls "Dad." His decision, along with his wife Nellie, to adopt Simone and her younger sister, Adria, fundamentally changed the course of their lives. He is celebrated as the patriarch of the Biles family, a constant and supportive presence in Simone’s record-breaking career.
Biography and Profile of Ronald Biles
- Full Name: Ronald Biles
- Relationship to Simone: Adoptive Father and Biological Grandfather
- Spouse: Nellie Biles (Adoptive Mother)
- Children Adopted: Simone Biles and Adria Biles
- Biological Children: Shanon Biles (Simone's biological mother)
- Career: Formerly served in the U.S. Air Force
- Current Status: Retired, full-time supportive parent and grandparent.
- Latest Public Appearance: Celebrated his 75th birthday in Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics while supporting Simone.
1. He is Simone’s Biological Grandfather
One of the most surprising facts about the Biles family dynamic is that Ronald Biles is Simone’s biological grandfather. He is the father of Simone’s biological mother, Shanon Biles. This means that when Ronald and Nellie Biles adopted Simone and Adria, they were stepping in as parents to their own grandchildren. This unique relationship makes their bond even more profound, bridging the gap between generations with parental love.
2. The Adoption Occurred When Simone Was Six
Simone Biles was born in Columbus, Ohio, to her biological mother, Shanon Biles, and biological father, Kelvin Clemons. Both biological parents struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, leading to Simone and her siblings being placed into the foster care system. Ronald and Nellie Biles officially adopted Simone and her younger sister Adria when Simone was six years old, bringing them to live in Spring, Texas, where she was raised.
3. He Served in the U.S. Air Force
Before becoming the full-time patriarch of a champion, Ronald Biles had a distinguished career serving in the U.S. Air Force. This background of discipline, structure, and service is often cited by Simone as being foundational to the environment he and Nellie created for her, which helped shape her into the world-class athlete she is today.
The Unseen Father: Kelvin Clemons
While Ronald Biles is the father figure in Simone's life, her biological father is Kelvin Clemons. His story is one of absence and struggle, a stark contrast to the stable home provided by her adoptive parents. Understanding this side of her family history is essential for a complete picture of Simone’s journey.
4. Kelvin Clemons Has No Contact with Simone
Simone Biles’ biological father is Kelvin Clemons. Like her biological mother, Shanon Biles, he also struggled with addiction in the past. Multiple reports confirm that Kelvin Clemons currently lives in Cleveland but has no contact with the Olympic gold medalist. This distance highlights the deep emotional and practical separation that often occurs in complex adoption stories.
5. Ronald Biles Continues to Attend Every Major Event
Ronald Biles and Nellie Biles are consistently present at Simone’s major competitions, a testament to their unwavering support. Most recently, the couple was in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, cheering on their daughter. The family even took time out to celebrate Ronald's 75th birthday in Paris, showcasing their close-knit bond even under the pressure of the global spotlight. His presence is a powerful LSI keyword entity that signifies his role as her true father.
The Family's Public and Private Life
The Biles family is incredibly private, but they have shared key moments that illustrate their profound connection, especially between Simone and her adoptive parents. These public displays of affection and support reinforce the concept of chosen family.
6. He Spoke Out After Simone’s Capitol Hill Testimony
Ronald Biles has publicly supported his daughter not just in her athletic career, but also in her advocacy. Following Simone’s powerful testimony on Capitol Hill regarding the FBI's mishandling of the Larry Nassar case, Ronald Biles spoke to the media, expressing his pride and support for his daughter’s courage. This moment demonstrated his role as a protector and advocate for Simone beyond the gymnastics floor.
7. Ronald and Nellie Recently Celebrated Their 48th Anniversary
The Biles family recently celebrated a significant milestone: Ronald and Nellie’s 48th wedding anniversary. Simone Biles took to her Instagram Story to honor her parents, highlighting the longevity and strength of their marriage. This enduring partnership is the foundation of the stable, loving home that was offered to Simone and Adria, making the anniversary a celebration of their parental commitment to the entire family.
The journey of Simone Biles is a powerful narrative about the strength of family bonds forged through love, not just blood. Ronald Biles, her adoptive father, has provided the stability, encouragement, and unconditional support necessary for her to become the global icon she is today. While her biological father, Kelvin Clemons, remains absent, the Biles family story is a shining example of how a second chance at a loving family can create a legacy of greatness.
Simone Biles frequently credits her parents, Ronald and Nellie, for sacrificing their retirement to raise her and her sister. Their commitment to providing a stable home, driving her to practice, and cheering her on from the stands has cemented Ronald Biles’ status as the true father figure in her life. This supportive family structure, which includes her sister Adria and her husband, Jonathan Owens, continues to be a crucial element of her ongoing success and personal happiness.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Reba Cormier IV
- Username : rohara
- Email : bo.wyman@little.com
- Birthdate : 2004-07-29
- Address : 92522 Archibald Row Suite 983 Alvahside, HI 48426-4671
- Phone : (352) 312-9445
- Company : Braun Group
- Job : Soil Conservationist
- Bio : Atque molestiae rerum autem ipsa. Fuga amet quia officiis autem ut autem quia.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/buford_real
- username : buford_real
- bio : Laudantium qui praesentium perspiciatis praesentium eius et maiores.
- followers : 5037
- following : 2546
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/bufordkunde
- username : bufordkunde
- bio : Exercitationem quo reprehenderit sapiente. Quo accusantium neque commodi accusamus.
- followers : 4033
- following : 1112
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/bufordkunde
- username : bufordkunde
- bio : Voluptate reprehenderit illo voluptas voluptatem. Corrupti laboriosam voluptatem inventore.
- followers : 4760
- following : 1268
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/kunde1971
- username : kunde1971
- bio : Beatae corporis sint exercitationem sequi.
- followers : 4202
- following : 1668