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, renowned as one of the greatest of all time. With a combined total of 41 Olympic and World Championship medals, she holds the record for the most decorated gymnast in history. At the Olympics, she is tied for the second-most decorated female gymnast. Her skills and achievements have solidified her status as a sporting icon.

Sections (6)

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

March 14, 1997: Simone Biles' Birth

On March 14, 1997, Simone Arianne Biles Owens was born. She became an American artistic gymnast and is the most decorated gymnast in history.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Grandparents Caring for Simone

In 2000, Simone Biles's maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles, started temporarily caring for Simone and her siblings after learning they were in foster care.

2003: Adoption by Grandparents

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

2012: Switch to Home Schooling

In 2012, Simone Biles transitioned from public school to home schooling to increase her training hours from about 20 to 32 hours per week.

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 to UCLA, planning to defer enrollment until after the 2016 Summer Olympics.

July 29, 2015: Turning Professional

On July 29, 2015, Simone Biles announced her decision to turn professional, forfeiting her NCAA eligibility to compete for UCLA.

September 2016: Disclosure of ADHD and medication use

In September 2016, following 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. This disclosure was met with widespread support and applause.

2016: Co-wrote autobiography "Courage to Soar"

In 2016, after the Rio Games, Simone Biles co-wrote an autobiography with journalist Michelle Burford called Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, with the intention to inspire readers to pursue their dreams.

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

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2016: Appearance in Tide commercial

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

2016: Named to 2016 Rio Summer Olympics team

On July 10, 2016, Simone Biles was officially named to the team that would represent the United States at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

May 15, 2017: Elimination from Dancing with the Stars

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

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September 2017: Speaking about ADHD

In September 2017, Simone Biles spoke about having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after her medical records were leaked online, revealing that she had been taking Ritalin (methylphenidate) to treat the condition during the Olympics.

January 18, 2018: Biles reveals assault by Larry Nassar

On January 18, 2018, Simone Biles publicly stated that she was sexually assaulted by former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar and accused USA Gymnastics of covering it up.

2018: 2018 Youth Olympics mixed teams named

At the 2018 Youth Olympics, the mixed multi-discipline teams were named for gymnastics legends, including Simone Biles. The team named for Biles won gold.

February 2021: Criticism of ESPN's SportsCenter

In February 2021, Simone Biles criticized ESPN's SportsCenter for excluding women athletes in their "Greatest of All Time" picture.

July 28, 2021: Biles withdraws from the 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: Biles Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

On September 15, 2021, Simone Biles testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, blaming "the entire system" for enabling Larry Nassar's crimes and criticizing USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee for failing to do their jobs.

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: Biles carries Olympic flag

At the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles was part of the ceremonial passing of the Olympic flag, signifying the end of the games and the transition into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.