Simone Biles' biological mother has explained why she abandoned her daughter at an early age and has begged for forgiveness.
Shanon Biles, 52, spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail about her longing to mend ties with her daughter.
Simone is unquestionably one of the greatest gymnasts in the world, with many stating that she could be the greatest of all time.
Her remarkable comeback to the Paris Olympics has been a source of immense pride for Shanon.
Celebrating from her Columbus home, she hosted a backyard gathering to honor Team USA's achievements, especially Simone's haul of three golds and one silver medal.
As the gymnast's mother celebrates her daughter's achievements, she has taken time to reflect on the past.
Shanon's struggles with drug and alcohol addiction led to her four children entering foster care.
Eventually, Simone and Adria were adopted by Shanon's father, Ronald, and his wife, Nellie, relocating them to Texas when Simone was just six.
The two eldest children, Tevin, now 29, and Ashley, 34, were taken in by Ronald's sister.
Reflecting on those tumultuous times, Shanon said: "It was hard to give up my kids, but I had to do what I had to do. I wasn't able to care for them. I was still using, and [my father] didn't want me coming in and out of their lives when I wasn't right."
The aftermath saw Shanon battling financial woes, culminating in a Chapter Seven bankruptcy in October 2018.
Court records from Franklin County Municipal Court indicate she faced 36 legal actions related to traffic misdemeanors and criminal cases.
In January 2020, Shanon was found guilty of assault, receiving a 180-day suspended prison sentence and probation until January 2022.
Today, Shanon has turned a new leaf, maintaining sobriety and working as a cashier at Save A Lot, a discount grocery store.
"I am a recovering addict and will always be an addict," she acknowledged. "But there's a way [to recovery]. You have to learn to stay away from people, places, and things. Change your routine and live your life. Live your best life."
Despite her personal growth, Shanon's relationship with Simone remains distant. Communication is primarily channeled through Ronald.
"What I hear about Simone I hear through my dad. I speak to my dad all the time. We're good now," Shanon shared.
"I would like to make amends with Simone personally – I'm just waiting for her and [her younger sister] Adria," Shanon expressed.
"I speak to Adria more than I speak to Simone. I would just ask her to forgive me. Can we move forward? Don't judge me on my past. Let's move forward."
Simone's biological father, Kevin Clemons, also seeks a connection with his daughter.
Shanon noted: "We both want to see her. I talk to him all the time. He says, 'If you talk to Simone, give her my number. I'd love to talk to her.' But I can't even talk to her. I have to go through my dad."
Holding onto hope, Shanon awaits the day Simone reaches out.
"I want to let her know I love her and I'm very proud of her. But I'm still waiting," she said, adding that while she possesses Simone's contact number, she refrains from using it.
"I can't keep dwelling on it. Whenever she's ready, I'm here and willing to receive."
Addressing Simone directly, Shanon expressed that she would like to sit down and give her the "real deal" of what happened in the past and answer any questions she might have.
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