From Foster Care to the Olympics: Parents Make a Difference

As all eyes are on the Tokyo Olympics, kids around the world are dreaming of the day they too might walk into an Olympic arena. But nobody accomplishes the things these athletes have done without practice, sacrifice and an incredible amount of support.

At PCHAS, we’re especially fond of several athletes whose stories are similar to the kids we serve and families we support every day. Paralympian Swimmer Jessica Long, Gymnast Simone Biles and Diver Jordan Windle, all found their forever families through adoption and wouldn’t be where they are today without their families encouraging them every step of the way.

Toyota featured 13x Gold Medalist Paralympic Swimmer, Jessica Long, in a moving commercial during Super Bowl LV highlighting her journey from a Siberian orphanage to a loving and determined adoptive family. Long’s adoptive mother-to-be is informed that her legs will have to be amputated and her life won’t be easy, and replies, “It might not be easy, but it’ll be amazing. I can’t wait to meet her.” Long’s forever family helped her find her place. She had support from her family and church community to help her through her rough days, and today she is one of the most decorated female athletes in US history.

Gymnast Simone Biles is an icon and has been the focus of much of the media in these Olympic Games. Even though she’s widely considered the Greatest of All Time, her early life was hard. The third of four kids raised by a mom struggling with addiction, she faced food insecurity and neglect. Simone and her younger sister were placed in Kinship Care with their grandparents, who later adopted the girls and made them part of their family, forever. In the Facebook Watch video Simone Vs Herself: Who Am I?, Biles expresses having the opportunity to do gymnastics at a young age helped her “feel like a normal kid.” Simone is thankful for the love and support of her parents and acknowledges she wouldn’t be where she’s at today without them.

Diver Jordan Windle has a story similar to Biles and Long. Born in Cambodia, Windle was adopted at 18 months old by his dad, a single man. His father enrolled him in an aquatics camp at seven years old and that fun camp was life-changing when the diving coach for Olympic gold medalist, Greg Louganis, noticed Windle. Windle’s talent was obvious and with coaching, he progressed in the sport at a rapid pace. “Without my father’s love and support, I would not be standing here,” Windle said in a Yahoo! News article. He’s worked hard to achieve his goal of competing in the Olympics and is excited to be living his dream.

Long, Biles and Windle are elite competitors who have worked hard for everything they’ve earned. We’re excited to cheer them on and celebrate their determination as they give it their all. We’re also excited to celebrate their families, each of whom introduced their kids to sports. It’s important for kids, even kids in foster care, to try new things. Not every child will become an Olympian, but every child can learn the value of working as a team, showing good sportsmanship, and giving and receiving encouragement.

Right now, there are not enough families to offer every kid in foster care these normal childhood experiences. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, we want to connect. Our Foster Care & Adoption Guides are here to answer all of your questions and help you learn how you can become family for children who need one. Call 281-324-0544 or email fosteradopt@pchas.org today!