You think of Simone Biles and you instantly picture perfection. Gold medals. Flawless routines. Gravity-defying flips. But in a powerful twist, the greatest gymnast of all time is showing us something even more breathtaking—her truth. In a recent Netflix documentary, Simone Biles does what few elite athletes dare: she peels back the curtain and reveals the internal battles that nearly broke her. According to the documentary’s director, Biles was “braver than we imagined,” opening up about her mental health struggles in a raw, unfiltered way. So what exactly did she reveal? And why does it matter more than ever?
Simone Biles is back and better than ever, and Netflix’s “Simone Biles Rising” takes us on her incredible journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Known as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, Biles’ return comes after her emotional withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a decision that sparked global conversations about mental health. Directed by Katie Walsh, this four-part series dives deep into Biles’ redemption story, showcasing her resilience, discipline, and unmatched athleticism.
“It’s making a movie when you don’t know the ending,” Walsh explains, reflecting on the uncertainty of documenting Biles’ comeback in real time. Following Tokyo, where Biles faced the “twisties” – a psychological phenomenon that disrupts an athlete’s ability to perform – Walsh was unsure if the gymnast would return to competition. But Biles came back stronger, winning gold medals in both the team final and all-around final in Paris. “Together with the amazing crew led by Katie Walsh, I said if we’re going to do this, we’re going all in,” Biles shares via email. “I didn’t want to leave anything on the table.”
The series doesn’t just highlight Biles’ athletic feats; it delves into the harsh realities of gymnastics, including ageism, racial prejudice, and mental health challenges. As a Black gymnast and one of 156 women who accused former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse, Biles’ story is both personal and universal. Featuring insights from iconic gymnasts like Dominique Dawes and Nadia Comaneci, the series contextualizes her experiences within the broader struggles of female athletes.
Walsh and her team took great care in addressing sensitive topics like mental health and trauma. “We worked with her personal therapist to make sure that she had a therapy appointment the day after our appointment or the day before,” Walsh reveals. This thoughtful approach ensured Biles’ well-being remained a priority throughout filming.
Adding warmth to the narrative are moments with Biles’ family, including her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. The couple’s love story unfolds as they tour their future home together. “Jonathan’s such a great guy and such a wonderful support for Simone,” Walsh says. Their connection as professional athletes adds another layer of understanding and balance to Biles’ life. “Simone Biles Rising” is more than just a sports documentary; it’s an intimate portrait of strength, vulnerability, and triumph.
