Recalling her adoption journey on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Simone Biles expressed, “For me, it means the world. ’cause being adopted since I was six years old to now, it’s been a long road and journey, like career-wise, and just like who Simone is instead of Simone Biles.” The seven-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated gymnast in history has overcome tumultuous days in her childhood to become the icon she is today. Biles and her three siblings entered foster care when she was just three years old due to their biological mother’s struggles with drug and alcohol abuse.

She vividly remembered the hardships, often going hungry as a child and even shared an anecdote about a cat being fed while they went without. At the age of six, Biles and her younger sister Adria were adopted by their biological grandfather, Ronald Biles, and his wife, Nellie. Simone has often shared how this adoption marked a turning point in Biles’ life. As we reflect on this journey, let us see other influential icons like Biles who turned their lives around through adoption.

MLB legend Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge, the towering outfielder for the New York Yankees, was born in Sacramento, California. However, his journey truly began the day after his birth, when he was adopted by Patty and Wayne Judge. Aaron didn’t find out he was adopted until he was ten years old. By that time, he had already noticed that he looked nothing like his parents. As a young boy, Aaron started asking questions, and his parents chose to be transparent with him.

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They were honest with the future New York Yankees captain about his adoption. Both Patty and Wayne were teachers in Linden, California, and Aaron’s adoption not only gave him a loving family but also set him on the path to becoming one of baseball’s brightest stars. Reflecting on his adoption, Aaron once said, “I was fine with it. It really didn’t bother me because that’s the only parents I’ve known.”

Yul Moldauer is another Gymnastics star like Simone Biles with an emotional family journey

Like Simone Biles, Team USA men’s gymnastics star Yul Moldauer’s story is one of humble beginnings and determination. Born prematurely in Seoul, South Korea, Yul faced an uncertain start in life. Peter Moldauer adopted him before he turned one year old. Despite doctors warning of potential health issues due to his biological mother’s chemical dependence, Yul’s adoptive parents saw his potential. Growing up on a farm in Colorado, Yul found solace and purpose in gymnastics.

Against all odds, he became an accomplished gymnast, representing the United States at the highest levels of competition, and now aims for the Paris Olympics podium. Reflecting on his journey, Yul has shared, “I want to inspire not just Asians but every little kid to do gymnastics. But also being adopted as well too…I’m so grateful for the family… You can have a normal life no matter what you look like, what you believe in. If you want to come to America and accomplish your dreams, you can do it.”

Tech giant and innovator Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc., was a visionary and icon of the 21st century whose legacy still lives on. However, behind his professional success lies a deeply emotional and complex personal story. Born in 1955 to Abdulfattah “John” Jandali and Joanne Schieble, Jobs faced a life-altering moment early on.

His mother, faced with opposition from her father regarding her relationship with Jandali, a Syrian national, made the difficult decision to give him up for adoption. Paul Jobs and Clara Hagopian adopted Steve, providing him with a loving home and a supportive environment in his childhood.

Despite growing up unaware of his biological roots, Jobs’s journey to discover his roots began after the death of his adoptive mother in 1986. Although he eventually learned about his biological family, including his father, Jandali, their relationship remained unresolved. Unbeknownst to both of them, Jobs had frequented a restaurant managed by Jandali, who remembered him fondly as “a sweet guy and a big tipper.” Reflecting on their shared traits, Jandali expressed regret for not reaching out to Jobs earlier, hoping for a reconciliation that never came. Sadly, the father and son never officially met before Jobs’s death in 2011, leaving their relationship forever unresolved.

These stories of adoption show the profound impact of love and family that can emerge from any background. Simone Biles has credited her adoptive parents for providing the stability and support that enabled her to become the champion she is today, saying, “I’m forever grateful for that because I definitely got a second shot at life.”