Spring’s Simone Biles gets brief break from busy schedule

While setting her sights toward the 2020 Olympics, four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles for the moment is content to forego the daily grind of gymnastics training for time with her family and a well-deserved vacation. Biles, 19, returned this week to her home in Spring after a 36-city USA Gymnastics tour and promotional appearances in support of her autobiography, titled “Courage to Soar.” Other than a few events, including her duties Thursday as co-grand marshal of Houston’s Thanksgiving Day parade, she will spend the next few weeks with family before resuming another book tour and sponsorship appearances after the first of the year. “Kids today talk about faith, and I think it’s OK for me to share my faith so kids can see how it helps you through the whole process.” Biles has spent precious little time at home since the Olympics ended in late August, and those three months have included significant moments, including her first vote in a presidential election, the departure for Florida of her longtime coach, Aimee Boorman, the unauthorized disclosure of her medical records by WikiLeaks, and a couple of brushes with some of the more unwelcome aspects of life in the public eye. “You can try to break me, but I’ll probably turn it around and use it for the better.” Along with her book tour and her promotional links with Hershey, Nike, Kellogg’s, Core Power, GK Elite and United Airlines, Biles after the Olympics signed a deal with Houston-based Mattress Firm to support the Mattress Firm Foster Kids program. There’s no real downfall for us.” Ron and Nellie Biles said they support their daughter’s decision to train toward 2020 but want her to have the option to seek other career paths if she prefers.