Early Life and Education of Simone Biles: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Simone Biles. From birth to education, explore key events.

Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast, considered one of the greatest of all time. With 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, she is the most decorated gymnast in history. She holds the record for the most Olympic medals earned by a U.S. gymnast. The International Sports Press Association recognized her as the third-best female athlete of the past 100 years.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

March 14, 1997: Simone Biles Born

On March 14, 1997, Simone Arianne Biles Owens was born. She later became an American artistic gymnast, and the most decorated gymnast in history with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Grandparents Caring for Children

In 2000, Simone Biles's maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his second wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles, began temporarily caring for Shanon's children in Spring, Texas, after learning his grandchildren were in foster care.

2003: Formal Adoption by Grandparents

In 2003, Simone and her younger sister Adria were formally adopted by her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his second wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles.

2012: Switched to Home Schooling

In 2012, Simone Biles switched from public school to home schooling to increase her training hours.

August 4, 2014: Verbal Commitment to UCLA

On August 4, 2014, Simone Biles verbally committed to UCLA.

November 2014: Signed National Letter of Intent to UCLA

In November 2014, Simone Biles signed a National Letter of Intent with UCLA, planning to defer enrollment until after the 2016 Summer Olympics.

July 29, 2015: Turned Professional and Forfeited NCAA Eligibility

On July 29, 2015, Simone Biles announced that she would turn professional and forfeit her NCAA eligibility to compete for UCLA.

September 2016: Disclosure of ADHD and Medication Use

In September 2016, after a hack into the World Anti-Doping Agency, Simone Biles disclosed on Twitter that she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and was permitted to take medication for it, having received a therapeutic use exemption. She was applauded for her openness.

2016: Co-authored autobiography

After the 2016 Rio Games, Simone Biles co-wrote an autobiography with journalist Michelle Burford. The book, titled Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, conveyed the message to readers to pursue their dreams and was meant to pass on the inspiration she has received from others.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

Check it on Amazon

2016: Planned Deferment of Enrollment to UCLA

In 2016, Simone Biles planned to defer enrollment to UCLA until after the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

2016: Appeared in Tide Commercial

In 2016, leading up to the Rio Games, Simone Biles appeared in a Tide commercial called "The Evolution of Power" alongside gymnasts Dominique Dawes and Nadia Comăneci.

2016: Named to 2016 Rio Summer Olympics team

On July 10, 2016, Simone Biles was selected to represent the United States at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, along with Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman.

January 8, 2017: Courage to Soar tops NYT best sellers list

On January 8, 2017, Simone Biles's book, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, reached number one on The New York Times best sellers Young Adult list.

Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance

Check it on Amazon

May 15, 2017: Eliminated from Dancing with the Stars

On May 15, 2017, Simone Biles was eliminated from season 24 of Dancing with the Stars, one week before the finals, finishing in fourth place. She was paired with professional dancer Sasha Farber.

Loading Video...

September 2017: ADHD Disclosure

In September 2017, Simone Biles spoke about having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and her use of Ritalin (methylphenidate) for treatment after her medical records were leaked online.

2017: Return to Gym and Coaching Change

In August 2017, during the P&G National Championships, Simone Biles announced her return to the gym for conditioning. In October 2017, she hired Laurent Landi as her coach after her longtime coach, Aimee Boorman, moved to Florida.

January 18, 2018: Sexual Assault Disclosure

On January 18, 2018, Simone Biles said that former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar had sexually assaulted her and that USA Gymnastics helped cover it up.

2018: 2018 Youth Olympics

In 2018, at the Youth Olympics, the mixed multi-discipline teams were named for gymnastics legends including Biles, the team named for her won gold.

July 28, 2021: Withdrawal from individual all-around competition

On July 28, 2021, Simone Biles withdrew from the finals of the individual all-around competition at the Olympics, citing mental health concerns.

September 15, 2021: Testimony to U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

On September 15, 2021, Simone Biles testified to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, blaming "the entire system" for enabling and perpetuating Nassar's crimes.

February 15, 2022: Engagement to Jonathan Owens

On February 15, 2022, Simone Biles announced her engagement to Jonathan Owens.

April 22, 2023: Marriage to Jonathan Owens

On April 22, 2023, Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens were married.

2024: 2024 Paris Olympics

In 2024, after the gymnastics apparatus finals, Simone Biles wore a medical boot due to a calf injury. At the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was part of the ceremonial passing of the Olympic flag.