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. She holds the record for the most decorated gymnast in history, with a combined total of 41 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her accomplishments include 11 Olympic medals, tying her as the second-most decorated female Olympic gymnast, and the most Olympic medals earned by a U.S. gymnast. Biles's dominance and influence 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 would become an American artistic gymnast, the most decorated gymnast in history, and one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Grandparents Caring for Simone Biles

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

2001: Start of Márta Károlyi's role as National Team Coordinator

In 2001, Márta Károlyi took over the role of National Team Coordinator.

2003: Adoption by Grandparents

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

2012: Withdrawals from the 2013 American Cup

In 2012, Elizabeth Price and Kyla Ross, both withdrew from the competition because of injuries.

2012: Switch to Home Schooling

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

August 4, 2014: Verbal Commitment to UCLA

On August 4, 2014, Simone Biles verbally committed to UCLA, planning to defer enrollment until after the 2016 Summer Olympics.

November 2014: Signed National Letter of Intent to UCLA

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

November 23, 2015: Deal with GK Elite Sportswear

On November 23, 2015, Simone Biles signed a deal with GK Elite Sportswear to sell a line of leotards bearing her name.

September 2016: Spokesperson for Mattress Firm

In September 2016, Simone Biles became a spokesperson for Mattress Firm's program of supporting foster homes.

September 2016: Disclosure of ADHD and Medication Use

In September 2016, following a cyber espionage attack on the World Anti-Doping Agency, Simone Biles disclosed that she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has been permitted to take medication for it under a therapeutic use exemption.

December 2016: Sponsorship of USS Enterprise

In December 2016, Simone Biles was selected as one of the sponsors of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Enterprise alongside Katie Ledecky, marking them as the first Olympians to receive this honor.

2016: End of Márta Károlyi's role as National Team Coordinator

In 2016, Márta Károlyi ended her role as National Team Coordinator.

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.

September 2017: Disclosure of ADHD diagnosis

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 Nassar's Abuse

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.

May 2018: Arthur Ashe Courage Award

In May 2018, Simone Biles and the other survivors were awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

February 2021: Criticism of ESPN's SportsCenter

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

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July 28, 2021: Biles Withdraws from 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, holding "the entire system" responsible for enabling Larry Nassar's crimes, criticizing USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee for failing in their duties.

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 married Jonathan Owens.

2024: Biles Participates in Closing Ceremony

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.

June 2025: Breast augmentation

In June 2025, Simone Biles underwent a breast augmentation and has openly discussed details of the procedure. She has also disclosed receiving other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including a lower blepharoplasty and earlobe surgery.