Did You Know These ’21 Olympians Were Adopted?

The Olympic Games are finally here!

The sports world has officially gathered in Tokyo, and for the next two weeks, we’ll get to enjoy the beautiful ceremonies and impressive athletes that take center stage.

It’s no secret that many Olympians from the past were adopted, but did you know several current Team USA athletes were adopted?

Let’s take a look at 5 adopted Olympians who will complete this year—

1. Simone Biles

Biles is arguably the most celebrated athlete on Team USA right now and will be competing in these Olympic games. She is the most decorated U.S. gymnast and is considered to be one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

Adopted out of foster care as a young girl, her maternal grandfather Ron and his wife Nellie became Biles’ mom and dad. Biles hopes to foster someday.

2. Jordan Windle

This 24-year-old earned his spot on this year’s U.S. diving team after graduating from Purdue earlier this year. Jordan was born in Cambodia, but his parents died when he was just a baby. He was then placed in an orphanage in Phnom Penh where he lived until he was two and was adopted and brought to the U.S.

He is one of the great Olympians to watch this year.

(Did you know we have a ministry partner in Phnom Penh, Cambodia?)

3. Yul Moldauer

Moldauer was adopted from South Korea as a baby boy. And his journey wasn’t easy. When he was adopted, his parents in Colorado were told he would have a lifetime of medical issues having been born prematurely to a chemically dependent mom.

Not only is Moldauer a valued member of the men’s gymnastics team during these Olympic games, but he has proven to be an inspiration to the Asian-American community given the rise in anti-Asian sentiment during the pandemic. Moldauer is quoted saying—

“I couldn’t be more blessed. What if I didn’t get adopted? Or what if I didn’t do gymnastics? What would my life look like?”

4. Paige McPherson

McPherson is the only Taekwondo competitor in U.S. history to make it to the Olympics three times.

Nicknamed “McFierce,” McPherson was born in Abilene, Texas, where she was placed for adoption when she was four days old.

5. Brittney Reese

Reese has proven to be one of the greatest Track & Field athletes in American history, officially punching her fourth ticket to the Olympic Games this month. Only two women in history have jumped farther than Reese, including Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

But … Brittney Reese is actually not adopted. She’s an adoptive mom. She adopted her son, Alex, when he was 8 years old.

Bonus: Remember the Super Bowl ad featuring Paralympian swimmer Jessica Long? Don’t miss this list featuring 10 things to know about the ad and the athlete!

The Olympic Games have always been inspirational for kids (and adults!) around the world who hope to identify with Olympians on the screen. This week and next will be no exception.

Let the adoptee(s) in your life know that fellow adoptees are competing on Team USA!

Let the games begin!