Simone Biles holds Belizean citizenship through her adoptive mother.
Biles was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1997, but her early childhood changed when her maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his wife, Nellie, began caring for her and her sister. The couple formally adopted both girls in 2003, after Biles and her siblings had spent time in foster care.
Nellie’s connection to Belize gave Biles citizenship in that country. Biles has described Belize as her second home, and she has visited the country with her family. Her connection is therefore through her adoptive family, not because she was born there or represented Belize in elite international gymnastics.
The most common confusion is mixing up nationality, birthplace, and sporting representation. Biles was born in the United States and competed internationally for the United States, while Belizean citizenship is a separate part of her family background and personal identity.