Simone Biles: Belizean-American Champion

Simone Biles is an American gymnast who has won a record-breaking 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. She holds dual citizenship in the United States and Belize, which she acquired through her mother, Nellie Cayetano Biles, who is from Belize. Biles has spoken about her love for Belize, referring to it as her second home, and visits the country at least once a year with her family. She has also showcased her connection to the country on social media, often using witty puns involving the word unbelizeable.

Simone Biles' mother is from Belize

Simone Biles has a strong connection to Belize through her mother, Nellie Cayetano Biles, who was born and raised in the Central American country. Nellie moved to the United States in 1973, where she met and married Ron Biles in 1977. Simone was born in 1997 as the third of four children. However, due to her biological mother's struggles with addiction and personal issues, Simone and her three siblings entered the foster care system. Thankfully, Ron, together with his second wife, Nellie, stepped in and adopted Simone and her younger sister, Adria, in 2003.

Simone Biles holds dual citizenship in the United States and Belize and proudly embraces her Belizean heritage. She frequently refers to Belize as her second home and visits the country at least once a year with her family. She has expressed her love for the beaches, snorkelling, and sailing that Belize offers. Moreover, she enjoys the local cuisine, including seafood, rice and beans, and stewed chicken. Biles' affinity for Belize has brought attention to the country, and she has been celebrated by the Belizean community, including being presented with symbolic keys to the town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, during one of her visits.

Simone Biles' success in gymnastics has not only brought her recognition in the United States but also in Belize. Her cousin, Opal Enriquez, noted the significance of Biles' achievements for Belize, stating, "I think that most things about Belize are kept quiet... We are excited that this is being used as a platform to showcase other talent in Belize." Biles' mother, Nellie, also shared that Simone intends to get married in Belize, further highlighting the importance of the country to their family.

Biles has dual citizenship in the US and Belize

Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast who has achieved worldwide fame for her record-breaking achievements in the sport. She is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time. Biles was born in Columbus, Ohio, and later adopted by her maternal grandparents, Ronald and Nellie Biles, who moved her to Houston, Texas. It is through her adoptive mother that she holds dual citizenship in the US and Belize.

Biles' biological mother, Nellie Cayetano, grew up in Belize before moving to the US in 1973. She met and married Ronald Biles in 1977, and Simone was born in 1997 as the third of four children. However, due to her biological mother's struggles with drugs and jail time, Biles and her siblings entered foster care at a young age. This early experience left a lasting impression on Biles, who now uses her platform to help children in the foster system.

Biles holds Belizean citizenship through her adoptive mother and has a strong connection to the country. She has referred to Belize as her second home and visits at least once a year with her family. She often shares her love for Belize on social media, and the country is a constant presence on her feeds. Biles' success and fame have also brought attention to Belize, with her cousin Opal Enriquez commenting on the significance of Biles' connection to the country: "I think that most things about Belize are kept quiet... We are excited that this is being used as a platform to showcase other talent in Belize."

Biles' adoptive mother, Nellie, is of Belizean descent, and the family has a home on the Belizean mainland. However, they often stay at resorts on the islands, particularly in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. Biles enjoys the beaches and clear waters of Belize, spending time swimming and snorkelling. She also partakes in fishing trips, a favourite activity for her and her family.

Belize holds a special place in Biles' heart, and she has expressed a desire to get married there. Her connection to the country has brought attention and excitement to Belize, with the town of San Pedro presenting her with symbolic keys to the municipality during one of her visits. Biles' success and dual citizenship have shone a light on Belize, celebrating the country's culture and people.

Biles visits Belize at least once a year

Simone Biles holds dual citizenship in the United States and Belize, where her biological mother, Nellie Cayetano, grew up before moving to the U.S. in 1973. Biles visits Belize at least once a year with her family, usually in the summer. They typically spend five days to a week in the country, staying at a resort in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye.

Biles has referred to Belize as her second home. She loves the beaches and the clear water, and she enjoys swimming and fishing. Belizean cuisine is also a big draw, with Biles citing rice and beans, stewed chicken, and fry jacks as some of her favourite foods.

Biles' connection to Belize has brought international media attention to the country, and she has expressed her love for the country on social media. Her cousin, Opal Enriquez, has said that Biles shining a light on Belize is meaningful because it is such a huge part of their family history.

Biles has a house in Belize

Simone Biles has strong ties to Belize, a Central American nation where she holds dual citizenship. Biles' mother, Nellie Cayetano Biles, is from Belize, and the gymnast has publicly expressed her love for the country, referring to it as her second home.

Biles visits Belize at least once a year with her family, usually during the summer. While she has mentioned that her mother owns a house on the mainland, Biles and her family prefer to stay at resorts on the islands. They frequently visit San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, where they stay at either Victoria House or Ramon's.

Biles enjoys the beaches in Belize, particularly swimming in the clear waters. She also partakes in fishing trips with her family, often competing to see who can catch the biggest or the most fish. They cook and eat the fish they catch, grilled, along with other Belizean foods like rice and beans, stewed chicken, and fry jacks.

Belize holds a special place in Biles' heart, and she has even stated that she plans to get married there. With her strong family connections and fond memories of the country, it is clear that Biles has a special bond with Belize.

Biles has said she loves Belize

Simone Biles has a deep connection to Belize, a Central American nation where she holds dual citizenship. Her mother, Nellie Cayetano Biles, is Belizean, and Biles often refers to Belize as her second home.

Biles visits Belize at least once a year with her family, usually during the summer. They spend about a week there, enjoying the beaches and the clear waters. Biles loves swimming and fishing in Belize, and she and her family often take fishing trips, competing to see who can catch the biggest fish.

Belize holds a special place in Biles's heart, and she has expressed her love for the country on social media. She once captioned a photo with her boyfriend, Jonathan Owens, saying, "I love you more than I love Belize, and that's a lot."

Biles's connection to Belize goes beyond her personal affection for the country. Her success as a gymnast has also brought attention and pride to Belize. Biles's cousin, Opal Enriquez, noted that Biles's achievements shine a light on Belize, highlighting the country's history and foundation.

Belize, in turn, has celebrated Biles's accomplishments. During a visit in 2016, the town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, presented her with symbolic keys to their municipality. Biles's success and her connection to Belize have made her a beloved figure in the country, and she continues to be a source of inspiration and pride for many Belizeans.

Frequently asked questions