On July 17th, Netflix will premiere “Simone Biles Rising,” a documentary that offers an in-depth look into the life and career of Simone Biles. The release comes just in time for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where Simone will compete in her fourth games. Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, the documentary chronicles Biles’ extraordinary journey through a blend of personal insights, behind-the-scenes footage, and expert commentary. Highlighting both her unparalleled achievements and the personal challenges she has faced along the way, the documentary covers everything from her upbringing, to her unparalleled success as a gymnast, to her personal life and marriage.
Simone Biles: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Athlete
“Simone is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete,” says one of her coaches in the documentary, capturing the essence of Biles’ exceptional talent and drive. From a young age, Biles has pushed herself to new heights, constantly redefining what is possible in the sport of gymnastics. Her dominance is not just in her ability to win but in her relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
The Tokyo Olympics: A Turning Point
The two-part documentary dives deep into Biles’ experiences at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a pivotal moment in her career. Despite her anticipation and preparation, Biles faced unexpected challenges. “I’ve always had really good intuition about things, and unfortunately, I felt that way about the Olympics,” she reflects, hinting at the struggles she would encounter.
During the games, Biles experienced something called the “twisties,” otherwise known as “mental blocks” that led to her withdrawal from several events, a decision that stunned the world. “Simone Biles is out of the competition tonight,” announced commentators, as the sporting community grappled with the news. This moment became a defining point in the documentary, showcasing the immense pressures elite athletes face and the importance of mental health.
The Human Behind the Medals
“She’s the greatest in the world, but she’s also human,” emphasizes a close friend in the documentary trailer. “Simone Biles Rising” does not shy away from exploring the personal toll of Biles’ journey. The film reveals her vulnerability, her struggles with trauma, and the immense pressure to meet expectations.
“Everything that happened, it’s a trauma response,” Biles candidly shares. “I wanted to quit like 500,000 times, and I would have if it weren’t for my people.”
Despite these challenges, Biles’ resilience shines through. She credits her support network for helping her navigate these difficult times. “We wanna make sure that she’s in a great place,” says another close confidant, highlighting the importance of having a strong support system.
