One needs to be grateful to God, if the grandparents wouldn't adopted the two girls? Just imagine two precious lives vanished in abuse and foster homes. Although the young woman is the star of the show.... The grandparents deserve Gold medals in parenting.
5
I can imagine that everyone was amazed at the performance of Simone Biles as she took gold with one of the highest scores possible during the women's gymnastics in Rio. Although she competed against team mate Aly Raisman who also performed flawlessly receiving a silver medal. The U.S. team never seems to disappoint, as I enjoy watching the Olympics every four years. Biles has won gold for the U.S but also brought light upon her home country of Belize. However Simone hasn't lived there since she was a child.
She was born in 1997 in Ohio but was taken from her drug addict mother to be adopted by Ron Biles and Nellie Cayetano Biles who is Belizean. Now some may argue that technically she is not a Belize citizen because she was not born there. Biles was raised by a Belizean mother giving pride to her "second" country. Whatever the case maybe or what other people think, one thing is for sure, Simone Biles is an exceptional gymnast.
She was born in 1997 in Ohio but was taken from her drug addict mother to be adopted by Ron Biles and Nellie Cayetano Biles who is Belizean. Now some may argue that technically she is not a Belize citizen because she was not born there. Biles was raised by a Belizean mother giving pride to her "second" country. Whatever the case maybe or what other people think, one thing is for sure, Simone Biles is an exceptional gymnast.
Great story and shows how important family support is. It seems the press is very ham fisted when writing on Biles' family situation. She has been adopted by a blood relative and a raised in a successful loving family that looks like her. It seems like the thing is to focus on white families adopting children of color from all over the word to rescue them. What is common however is many black families, whether here or abroad, raise their relatives children, either due to sad circumstances like Biles, or a result of parents immigrating for economic reasons. Sometimes it's a permanent situation like Biles, and other times temporary, like my own. It's so common as to be invisible.
6
I'm often stunned at some of the comments that are posted by NYT readers...or rather, "readers" who apparently do not bother to actually read the article they are commenting on. This article states very clearly that in 2003 at the age of 6, Columbus, Ohio born Simone Biles and her sister Adria, age 4, were adopted by their maternal grandfather Ron and his second wife, Belize born Nellie. This happened because the girls' mother was a drug addict and had her children removed from her, as is only right in such a tragic situation. Simone is 100 % American (U.S.A), but understandably also likes to honor Nellie's birth country, even though Simone has no direct "biological connection" to Belize. Oh, and by the way, Simone is truly magnificent: my jaw dropped watching her on TV. Wow.
21
It should not but it invariably is. America is promoting encouraging conflict within the African diaspora by attributing social pathologies exclusively to African Amerocans while extolling the virtues of other people of African origins. This subtle bigotry must be addressed by the African diaspora and people of good will as a whole.
5
I think I get it. Saying "America is promoting [&] encouraging conflict..." goes too far though -- it's not necessarily intentional or even conscious, and there are many Americans who do think of themselves as people of good will who would reject that they are doing any such thing.
I get there's an American narrative that distinguishes separate categories for "native" African Americans and for others of African ancestry (to the extent that the distinction gets recognized, since we often have no idea where people, or their parents, are from unless we're told), and only the "native" stereotype includes the "social pathologies," including, e.g., negative characterizations of family life and a long list of disparaging attributions. Colin Powell and Gwen Ifill don't really contradict the stereotype (Caribbean parents) and neither does Barack Obama (whose father was not from the "African diaspora" at all).
And now, suddenly, here is this all-American all-African American champion, the greatest ever, born here to parents also apparently born here, and the credit seems to be going to her non-native-born mother, i.e., the one who took the role over from her native-born addict mother. So, the way the story gets told, it ends up diluting the African American dimension of Biles's heroic achievement, not to mention reinforcing the stereotypes.
The problem is how else do you tell this particular story if that's what happened?
I get there's an American narrative that distinguishes separate categories for "native" African Americans and for others of African ancestry (to the extent that the distinction gets recognized, since we often have no idea where people, or their parents, are from unless we're told), and only the "native" stereotype includes the "social pathologies," including, e.g., negative characterizations of family life and a long list of disparaging attributions. Colin Powell and Gwen Ifill don't really contradict the stereotype (Caribbean parents) and neither does Barack Obama (whose father was not from the "African diaspora" at all).
And now, suddenly, here is this all-American all-African American champion, the greatest ever, born here to parents also apparently born here, and the credit seems to be going to her non-native-born mother, i.e., the one who took the role over from her native-born addict mother. So, the way the story gets told, it ends up diluting the African American dimension of Biles's heroic achievement, not to mention reinforcing the stereotypes.
The problem is how else do you tell this particular story if that's what happened?
1
The nationalistic aspect of the Olympics was not "played up" as a big deal, until the 1936 "Hitler Olympics"; we might just be better off without it, because, as Hitler showed everyone, nationalism can easily be twisted into a hate event.
Even in our own time, we see demagogues popping up to play on people's fears by using hate speech; so let's cheer on the athletes, and not worry too much about where they come from.
Bravo, Simone!
Even in our own time, we see demagogues popping up to play on people's fears by using hate speech; so let's cheer on the athletes, and not worry too much about where they come from.
Bravo, Simone!
7
A very lucky young lady to have such lovely Grandparents.
16
There's enough joy in the Biles family for two countries.
25
"Simone Biles Soars, Lifting Another Country With H" Aug. 11, 2016.
To be crowned the greatest gymnast of the world at age 19 is truly a great blessing, but one Simone Biles fully deserves, considering her tireless
efforts to reach the top in her field of sports. No one doubts that, in the months and years to come, her celebrity would make her rich beyond her wildest dreams. I suggest that she use both her name and wealth to help the millions and millions of poor, orphaned, and enslaved children in the world who never get to play any kind of sports, let alone become athletes, to get an education. Simone Biles has an opportunity to be a champion of children in blighted circumstance all over the world, especially in Belize, and the United States, her mother countries.
To be crowned the greatest gymnast of the world at age 19 is truly a great blessing, but one Simone Biles fully deserves, considering her tireless
efforts to reach the top in her field of sports. No one doubts that, in the months and years to come, her celebrity would make her rich beyond her wildest dreams. I suggest that she use both her name and wealth to help the millions and millions of poor, orphaned, and enslaved children in the world who never get to play any kind of sports, let alone become athletes, to get an education. Simone Biles has an opportunity to be a champion of children in blighted circumstance all over the world, especially in Belize, and the United States, her mother countries.
1
Simone Bikes is not going to get rich. Gymnasts aren't like baseball players; they don't have long careers and they don't get multi million dollar contracts. She'll have less than ten years to make all the money she's ever going to on this sport, then she'll have to find a paying job.
The best she can do is try to raise awareness and money from people who are actually rich.
The best she can do is try to raise awareness and money from people who are actually rich.
7
Lauren -- Did you see the Tide ad last night? Bet they run it again tonight. Simone Biles will be what most of us think of as rich by this time next year if she isn't already. If she wanted to buy her parents a new house like an NFL draft pick she's already there. She's an instant superstar and I expect we'll be seeing a lot of her for the rest of our lives.
Mary Lou Retton still does endorsements decades later, still works on TV sometimes. It's hard to believe that Michael Phelps -- a swimmer -- is worth what they're saying, 55 million, but it's clear he should never need to look a paying job. It's perfectly reasonable to expect the same success for Biles.
Mary Lou Retton still does endorsements decades later, still works on TV sometimes. It's hard to believe that Michael Phelps -- a swimmer -- is worth what they're saying, 55 million, but it's clear he should never need to look a paying job. It's perfectly reasonable to expect the same success for Biles.
1
While I find Simone Biles' talents to be exceptional all on their own, for me, there is some missing here in her story, in a more subtle but undeniably present way. The sad but untold story of her ignored, ill, disaffected mother, and her daughter's apparent non-relationship with this individual- who gave her life.
I don't necessarily want to hear what are more than likely the painful backstory of her mother, but I'm left hurting as a reader, wondering, hoping that somewhere there is at least some semblance of humility and care that Simone holds deep in her heart for her lost mother. Best of luck to this unique and beautiful young lady.
I don't necessarily want to hear what are more than likely the painful backstory of her mother, but I'm left hurting as a reader, wondering, hoping that somewhere there is at least some semblance of humility and care that Simone holds deep in her heart for her lost mother. Best of luck to this unique and beautiful young lady.
11
Simone's mother was an addict who put her children in danger. I'm not sure why our culture insists on reuniting abused children with their parents. We don't do this with animals- an abusive pet owner is publicly con demned, often jailed, and told never to own animals again. I would love to see us treat children with the same concern.
12
Her biological mom is now sober and a part of her daughter's life. She was very upset when her dad brought up her "troubles," which might be why nobody is saying much about her. It's also pretty normal for a nineteen year old to have conflicted feelings for their formerly addicted parent.
6
Upset? She should be thankful for amazing father. We need to be accountable for our actions. Good for her!!! If she put back her life together.
This is a beautiful story. An inspiration and a testament to the parenting and the love she received from her grandparents. I visited Belize in January of 2015. It's a beautiful country - but I had no idea about women's gymnastics. Next time I go back I will make sure to congratulate the locals on her wonderful story and her amazing accomplishments.
7
Wow! What a sweet article and feature on Simone Bile's personal background & family - which clearly had a lot to do with the super-star that she is. So impressive and so inspiring! Belize, the US, and the world should be proud. Good things DO come in small packages!
9
As the mother of an adopted son I find Simone's story inspiring and hopeful. A nurturing and loving home environment will not undo genetics, but definitely influences outcomes.
23
Grandmother Nellie is a national hero for both the US and Belize. Inspired by Hillary's thesis, note well: it takes not just a village but also immigrants to that village.
12
Perhaps you could start referring to Ron and Nellie Biles as her parents, not adoptive parents?
21
It's nurture people, not nature. Love,discipline,responsible parenting. The unlimited potential of children is a marvel with great parenting. What a great human story.
28
It's both. Great parenting includes being able to recognize and nurture each child's unique gifts. It is a great human story.
8
Why didn't she represent Belize? There are many athletes in all sports, who train, or even live in a different country, still, when it comes to major events, like the Olympics, they wear the colours of their country of birth.
2
Did you read the story. She was born in the USA!
2
Simone is Belizean only through adoption. She was not born there and does not live there. It's great she's a dual citizen, and everyone can "claim" her, but why on earth would she compete from there?
1
Because the country of her birth is the US and she's lived here her whole life. The article explains that.
1
Good news is always wonderful. How successful Simone has been with the love and support or her parents. All children need love and to feel safe. Look what it has yielded for Simone Biles, and her family. We salute you.
22
It's beautiful to see all the love in this family that extends so far beyond "blood."
7
A American story; an American dream; and an uplifting contrast to the vicious denigrations of immigrants by Trump and his perverse supporters!
25
I also adopted a child who is biologically related to me. His biological relationship to me is no longer relevant; he is simply my son. He is not, as the Times would apparently phrase it, my son and biological cousin. I find the captions and descriptions in this piece offensive, indicating a discomfort with adoption and kinship adoption in particular. Why must you refer to Nellie Cayetano Biles as Simone's "adoptive mother" in a caption? Why the need of a qualifier? Mention the adoption once, if relevant, and move on. She is Simone's mother.
68
An amazing family helped shape an amazing athlete. Belize and the US can both be proud of Simone and the Biles family. She and her family are an inspiration to everyone who hears their story.
30
The people of Belize are among the nicest people you'll ever meet. I'm happy for them.
14
What an absolutely heartwarming and inspirational story of love,synchronicity and family. It is an elegant, powerful, and absolutely perfect refutation of the anti-immigration bombast being spewed by Donald Trump.
46
When the country you call home is a small dot on a world map, something lights up in you everytime someone connected to your place appears at an event like the Olympics.
I don't know if that's because come from another Caribbean country of around 350,000 but I find Simone Biles' story-and that of her family- very inspiring.
I don't know if that's because come from another Caribbean country of around 350,000 but I find Simone Biles' story-and that of her family- very inspiring.
21
Such an inspiration. The power of a gifted teacher, the combination of nature and nurture.
6
Our connections strengthen us and we strengthen them. Families are sometimes made in crisis; but every day in this world, people step up to raise children that were not born to them and need parents. Although bystanders might get stuck on the circumstances, adoptive families and blended families want you to see that we are pretty ordinary. Making lunches, signing permission slips, band-aids, curfews, just like you....just like you.
44
Simone seems to be a fortuitous name in this Olympics. A love!y name given to two beautiful ladies. Congratulations ladies!!!!!!
40
What a story about Biles' grandmother and mother. She comes on her own at 18, becomes a nurse then a successful business woman , and adopts Simone and her sister when her birth mother falls to addiction. Don't want immigrants? This is an American story. Immigrants make us stronger and better.
125
One thing I noticed is that with all of the other gymnasts, they seem to be hoping that they will have a good routine. I am often nervous for them and relieved when the routine ends.
By contrast, Simone goes out and it seems as effortless as if she was combing her hair. I was not nervous at all during her floor routine - I was feeling joyful.
By contrast, Simone goes out and it seems as effortless as if she was combing her hair. I was not nervous at all during her floor routine - I was feeling joyful.
18
This is one backstory that is delightful to read; from tragedy to triumph through family strength and love.
29
I’m curious, did Ms Biles obtain her Belize citizenship through her adoption by Nellie Biles? I also wonder if she has any relationship with her troubled biological mother?
The Biles decision to adopt was courageous--I know people who did not do so under similar circumstances, saying it would just be “too hard at our age”. What a wonderful story about wonderful people!
The Biles decision to adopt was courageous--I know people who did not do so under similar circumstances, saying it would just be “too hard at our age”. What a wonderful story about wonderful people!
64
Previous articles have mentioned that Simone has occasional contact with her biological mom, who is now clean and sober. Her bio mom and adoptive dad have a strained relationship.
1
Thanks for the additional info!
Wonderful people can do wonderful things.
An inspiration to families everywhere. Thank you.
An inspiration to families everywhere. Thank you.
95
What an inspiring family! These are the type of people who make America Great!
161
And, gasp, they are immigrants!!!
22
Beautiful family and amazingly talented athlete! Wishing all of them continued success and good health!
2
" we need to support our owns sports and artists " said Ms Vernon. I agree ,'it's hard to imagine that the Biles today would have happened if she grew up in Belize . There were few lifting Belize's name from abroad , so it's time to focus on those at home. Nonetheless Biles is the best for both countries , amazing young lady.
I would like to hear what are young girls in Belize thinking by watching Biles , she owns a gym !!Good luck to them all . Congrats to Biles and to her team . Well done
I would like to hear what are young girls in Belize thinking by watching Biles , she owns a gym !!Good luck to them all . Congrats to Biles and to her team . Well done
34
Something important missing from the story is Belize's population. which is approximately 360,000. Although the story states that Belize has not had much of a showing in the Olympics, that's roughly like saying that Aurora, Colorado hasn't. (Also note that Aurora has Denver and other larger cities nearby. Belize borders both the relatively undeveloped Mexican state of Quintana Roo and Guatemala, which continues to struggle from the effects of a bloody civil war and dictatorship.) In that context, isn't it impressive that Belize has sent ANY athletes to the Olympics?
153
Yes, it is!
5
Also missing is that Guatemala still claims that Belice was robbed from them by Britain long ago. Fifty years ago I lived there for two years and well recall the phrase "Belice es nuestro". Googling that now gets many hits including several Facebook pages, indicating they have not given up.
Heliotrophic - thanks for the thoughtful comment that brings welcomed perspective, which is often lacking in these stories and commentaries.
3
Tears shed. Wow, just wow. She's a gem.
105
Amazing story, however Simone is an African American prodigy. America continues to have a hard time recognizing African American contributions. It must find some external explanation.
14
Dw -- It's obviously correct to say "America has a hard time recognizing African American contributions." On the other hand, Biles's mom is a successful American (in this case, as it would appear, African-American) immigrant with a child who will surpass her (and just about everyone else) in achievement. This is the classic American dream, and it's very satisfying to see an African-American family included in it. There's nothing "external" about that.
It need take nothing away from anyone's pride to let Belize share it or to give some credit to Belize for Nellie's, and Simone's, exceptional character. And Ron comes off as a man of character too.
It need take nothing away from anyone's pride to let Belize share it or to give some credit to Belize for Nellie's, and Simone's, exceptional character. And Ron comes off as a man of character too.
7
Biles's mum is from Belize, therefore she is not African-American. Color of skin shouldn't dictate one's assumption about heritage.
1