Simone Biles looks back on foster care and how far she’s come

The Olympic champion reflected on growing up without basic necessities before being adopted by her grandparents.

Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles has offered a rare glimpse into how she views her journey from childhood hardship to international success, describing herself as a former foster child who is still working to overcome the odds.

The 29-year-old shared the personal reflection in an Instagram Story on Sunday, October 25, posting lyrics from rapper Toosii’s song “Lil Terrio” about growing up without basic necessities. Alongside the lyrics, Biles wrote, “We’ve come a long way,” before adding, “Just a foster kid trying to beat the statistics.”

The message offered a brief but personal look back at the circumstances she experienced before becoming one of the most decorated gymnasts in history.

In an October 26 report, PEOPLE, written by Natasha Dye, reported that Biles spent three years in foster care before her maternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, adopted her and her younger sister, Adria, when Simone was six.

Biles has previously spoken about the instability of her early childhood. During her appearance on season 24 of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017, she discussed her biological mother’s struggles with drug and alcohol abuse and the effect those circumstances had on the family.

She recalled entering foster care at age three and described how much she looked forward to visits with her grandfather. Her grandparents eventually provided a permanent home for Biles and Adria, while her older siblings, Ashley and Tevin, were adopted by their great-aunt.

Biles’ latest post did not detail the specific statistics she was referring to. However, her words connected her childhood experience with the progress she feels she has made since then.

Her journey has included becoming a multiple Olympic gold medalist and one of the most prominent figures in global gymnastics. Her career has also brought attention to the personal challenges athletes can face beyond competition.

The broader issue of children growing up in households headed by grandparents has also been examined by researchers. A 2024 U.S. Census Bureau report on grandparents and their grandchildren documented the circumstances of families in which grandparents take on caregiving responsibilities.

Those households vary widely, and the report does not establish an individual outcome for someone based on their childhood living arrangement.

Biles’ short message was a personal reflection rather than a detailed account of her past. By describing herself as a foster child still trying to beat the statistics, she acknowledged where her life began while emphasizing how far she believes she has come.