Defying Odds Simone Biles, Aaron Judge, and More Athletes Turned Challenging Childhoods Into Success

Hardships and adversities spare none when they arrive. But given the right support and circumstances, people fight through to make the best of it. The list of the latter has contained glistening celebrities. For Simone Biles, Aaron Judge, Reese Hoffa, and more, behind the glitz of later life, there have been stories of resilience, a varied instance, and for some early-found happiness. 

The following sports stars, who found a new path and family due to adversities share one more thing in common. They fetched recognition; an essential step to their rewritten success stories which would have otherwise been lost.

Simone Biles’ proud parents

At the age of 26, Simone Biles stands as the most decorated gymnast ever. However, when the two-time Olympian’s life saw a beginning, it did not envision a smooth sail to the pinnacle. At the age of 3, Biles alongside her 3 siblings resigned to foster care over their mother’s substance abuse. Ultimately, it was when Simone turned 6, that she and her sister Adria were adopted by their maternal grandparents who visited them regularly at foster care.

Biles, who has expressed her initial situation as “always being hungry and afraid“ found the right light in her grandparents Ronald and Nellie. Recognizing her talent from the very beginning, the couple opened a gym in 2014. And ever since, Simone’s grandparents have ensured to attend every contest of hers. Though the challenges were hard to incur, Biles has a rather positive outlook on her path. “I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am unless that turning point happened. I would still be Simone Biles, probably not Simone Biles that the world knows,“ she says talking about adoption.

Aaron Judge

The MLB star’s parents, Patty and Wayne Judge adopted him, when he was only 2-days old. But it wasn’t until Aaron turned 10 that he learned the truth when he began to notice differences in their looks. But for the outfielder truth wasn’t a bother. “They just kind of told me I was adopted. I was like, ‘OK, that’s fine with me.’ You’re still my mom… You’re still my dad…“ Aaron tells MLB.com. His parents intended only one thing for him growing up: to be a good person. But Aaron’s athletic abilities weren’t lost on Patty and Wayne.

Wayne reveals that he was aware that Aaron owned a natural talent when he first placed a ball in his hand. The knowledge further helped them build upon it and in the later years provided a reason to become a Yankee. “I know I wouldn’t be a New York Yankee if it wasn’t for my mom,” Aaron reveals. He adds that if it weren’t for Patty’s guidance and the outlook she put forth to mold him into what he is today, the scenario would have been different.

Colin Kaepernick

Though Colin like Aaron was adopted a few days after being born, the former NFL star is aware of his biological mother. Heidi Russo had Colin when she was 19, forcing her to put him up for adoption and picking a family. In the following years, Colin, being a biracial adopted by a white family was challenged to identification acceptance. “I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through,“ Colin revealed. But over the years, the two worked to learn about their mistakes.

As he protested against racial injustice and police brutality, his parents stood by him. Biracial or not, it has been important for Colin’s family to stand alongside him, giving him the required support through his career and activism.

Reese Hoffa

The USA shot put champion was put up for adoption at the age of 4. For his unmarried teenage mother, the 4-year-old accidentally lighting the house on fire was the strand to hold him and his brother together. Reese now recalls that the day he was sent away for adoption was the most difficult day of his life. However, his adoptive family provided the 3-time Olympian with the right environment and confidence. Reese reveals that his parents initially denied his entrance into sports because they wanted him to be a complete person first. While this may seem like a speculative instance, getting into college and graduating, provided Hoffa the confidence he needed for the journey further.

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Alonzo Mourning

Unlike the rest, the basketball fame carries a story unique. Alonzo was raised by his biological parents until the age of 10. However, when they chose to separate, Mourning was asked to pick a side. The kid who did not want to hurt the other by choosing one, remained undeceive. It was hence arranged that the 10-year-old would be put under foster care in a family friend’s home. Despite residing with 9 other kids, Alonzo found reliance on his foster mom, Fannie Threet. At the age of 12 when the former basketball star showcased his staunch interest in the sport and it was noticed by Mrs. Threet. She further arranged for him to attend a basketball summer camp. The tradition remained year after year ultimately leading him to be a part of the 2000 Olympic Dream Team.

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