Let’s take it back to 2016, when Simone Biles and her first-ever coach, Aimee Boorman, decided to part ways after 11 years together. This came right after Simone’s incredible performance at the Rio Olympics, where she won four golds and one bronze. Aimee had been coaching Simone since she was just 8 years old, guiding her to success at major competitions, including those unforgettable Olympic moments. They trained at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas, owned by Simone’s parents, Ron and Nellie, and managed by her brother, Adam Biles.

But, as much as it was a dream team, life got in the way. Aimee had to step back because her husband was offered a job in Florida. Adam Biles confirmed it, saying, “Aimee no longer works with us at this time. Her family has moved to Florida so that her husband could pursue a job opportunity that he was offered.” Still, leaving wasn’t easy, and Aimee later opened up in 2020 about the struggles she faced while coaching, proving that the journey wasn’t always smooth sailing.

Simone Biles’ coach gets real

Back in 2020, Aimee Boorman shared some insight in a conversation with SHIFT Movement Science and Gymnastics Education. She revealed one of her coaching philosophies, saying, “one of my favorite things to do with all of my athletes has always been bring in another coach, bring in another set of eyes, bring in a different voice.” Sometimes, the smallest change—like a fresh perspective or a new tone—can make a huge difference. She mentioned that there are times when a coach might repeat the exact same thing as another, but for some reason, the athlete finally connects with it.

“It might be the tone they use, it might be the cadence they use,” she added, explaining how it’s not about the athlete’s willingness, but sometimes the message just needs to be delivered in a different way to click. Aimee also shared a bit of frustration that every coach faces, saying, “I’ve told you that a hundred times, why didn’t you do it when I told you?” But she quickly pointed out that it’s not a lack of effort from the athlete—they genuinely want to succeed. For Aimee, bringing in another coach wasn’t a sign of failure; it was about giving the athlete the tools to succeed and, ultimately, helping everyone improve.

Interestingly, Aimee mentioned that “I’ve actually been ridiculed for bringing in other coaches” when she hit a roadblock or needed help. She was even criticized for “educating myself more,” even though, in reality, she was working hard to qualify herself by gaining more knowledge rather than just passing off an athlete to someone else. This drive to grow and evolve was key to her coaching journey, even if it wasn’t always understood. But despite all the criticism and challenges, there was a time when Simone Biles saw Aimee Boorman as more than just a coach—she considered her a second mother.

Yep, you heard that right! There was a time when Simone Biles saw Aimee Boorman as her second mother! Boorman wasn’t just her coach; she knew every little detail of Biles’ life—both in and out of the gym. It was Aimee who first saw the spark in Simone and took her under her wing from a very young age. But after the 2016 Rio Olympics, the pair decided to part ways.

In a heartfelt 2016 interview, Simone Biles explained their deep bond, saying, “She’s known me forever, so I feel like she’s my second mom.” Simone added, “I’ve stayed at her house when my parents were out of town, and I used to see her more than my parents.”  

Yet, like any close relationship, theirs had its share of turbulence. It wasn’t all smooth sailing. They argued, disagreed, and had their fair share of challenges, especially when it came to gymnastics. But through it all, their love for each other remained strong. Boorman once admitted, “There was a lot of head butting.” Still, it was clear that beneath the tough moments was a deep, unshakable bond.