Simone Biles honored by Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center

Friday, one of the most accomplished American Olympians, gymnast Simone Biles, came to Indian Wells for a visit with her family at the Barbara Sinatra’s Children Center and the annual Champion Honors Luncheon.

“Today was amazing,” Biles said in an exclusive interview with KESQ and CBS Local 2. “Hopefully I can come back and visit the center or the kids if I’m allowed to one of these days.”

Organizers said Biles is the first woman honored at the luncheon, which benefits the Barbara Sinatra’s Children Center.

“As a leading gymnast, and a girl who unfortunately had an early life of neglect, abuse and foster care, rose to be a champion, we feel it’s just a great honor for us to have her here,” John Thoresen, Director and Executive Officer of the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center said.

Biles and her family talked about her rise to stardom as a champion gymnast, as well as her experience growing up as a foster child and overcoming abuse and neglect.

She revealed she was one of the USA gymnasts that was sexually assaulted by USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar.

Before the luncheon, KESQ and CBS Local 2 was invited to join Biles and her family on their tour of the center.

The gymnast even shared more about her life and advice with kids.

“It’s always my favorite to hear the questions they like to ask,” Biles said. “They’ve been waiting for that moment for so long. So, just to interact with them and take the photos, even silly photos, I feel like they think I’m normal for once. So I really like that.”

She said it’s what was most rewarding for her about her visit.

“It sucks, because I’m 20 years old and i’m going through this, and I have all the resources needed,” she said. “They’re just so young. It really just breaks my heart to see them going through this.”

Biles hopes to keep inspiring as a role model for all.

“Be confident, speak up for what you believe in, tell someone if something’s going wrong and just education,” Biles said.

Biles also shared she’s focused on returning to train full-time this fall for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center gave Biles and her family photos of Joshua Tree National Park.