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 recognized as one of the greatest and most decorated of all time. With 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, she holds the record for the most medals won in gymnastics history. Biles is tied for the second-most decorated female Olympic gymnast. Her skill and athleticism have solidified her place as a dominant figure in the sport.

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 (née Biles) was born. She is an American artistic gymnast and is the most decorated gymnast in history, with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Grandparents become Temporary Guardians

In 2000, Simone Biles's maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his second wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles, began caring temporarily for Shanon's children, including Simone, in Spring, Texas.

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: Switched to Home Schooling

In 2012, Simone Biles switched from public school to home schooling, allowing her 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

In November 2014, Simone Biles signed a National Letter of Intent, planning to defer enrollment until after the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

July 29, 2015: Turning Professional

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, following a hack into the World Anti-Doping Agency by the Russian cyber espionage group Fancy Bear, Simone Biles's medical information was released, leading to accusations of doping. Consequently, Biles disclosed on Twitter that she has ADHD and takes medication for it under a therapeutic use exemption, receiving widespread support for her openness.

2016: Planned Olympics Enrollment Deferral

In 2016, Simone Biles was planning to defer her enrollment until after the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

2016: Co-Authors Autobiography

In 2016, after the Rio Games, Simone Biles co-wrote an autobiography with journalist Michelle Burford, titled Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance.

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

Check it on Amazon

2016: Appearance in Tide Commercial

In 2016, in preparation for the Rio Games, Simone Biles appeared in a Tide commercial titled "The Evolution of Power" alongside fellow gymnasts Dominique Dawes and Nadia Comăneci.

2016: Selection for 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. She joined Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman.

January 8, 2017: "Courage to Soar" Reaches Number One

On January 8, 2017, Simone Biles's book, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, reached the number one spot 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: Elimination from Dancing with the Stars

On May 15, 2017, Simone Biles and her partner Sasha Farber were eliminated from season 24 of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in fourth place one week before the finals.

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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.

2017: Did Not Compete

In 2017, Simone Biles took a break from competition.

2017: Returns to Gym and Hires New Coach

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

January 18, 2018: Biles reveals abuse by Larry Nassar

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

May 2018: Arthur Ashe Courage Award

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

2018: Youth Olympics Mixed Team

In 2018, at the Youth Olympics, mixed multi-discipline teams were named for gymnastics legends, including Biles, Nadia Comăneci, and Kōhei Uchimura. The team named for Biles won gold.

February 2021: Criticism of ESPN's SportsCenter

In February 2021, Simone Biles criticized ESPN's SportsCenter for not including any women in their "Greatest of All Time" photograph.

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, emphasizing the failures of USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Three of her national-team teammates, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols, and Aly Raisman, testified with her.

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 participates in ceremonial passing of the Olympic flag

At the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles participated in the ceremonial passing of the Olympic flag, signifying the transition to 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 also disclosed receiving other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including a lower blepharoplasty and earlobe surgery.

2028: Transition into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

At the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles participated in the ceremonial passing of the Olympic flag, signifying the transition into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.