Simone Biles, a 5-time U.S. Olympic Medalist of Haitian Descent

Biles discovered her abilities at an early age. She began her career as gymnast in 2007, and by 2011 she had cemented her standing at the junior elite level. In 2011, she won the top spot in the vault and balance beam events and finished third in the all-around at the American Classic. In Rio, Simone wowed gymnastics fans with an impressive performance, winning the all-around title and first in the floor exercise and vault.

Simone's childhood was never a happy one. Both of her parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol and were unable to take care for any of their four children. Simone's father abandoned his family and was never present in his daughter's life. She and her sister, Adria, were raised by their grandfather Ron and grandmother Nellie who eventually officially adopted the two girls, and Biles calls her grandmother "Mom." Her grandfather, is originally from Haiti, and is a retired air traffic controller, and grandmother emigrated from Belize. Under the new Haitian Constitution Simone could have represented Haiti, if she wanted to.

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