When the world thinks of gymnastics greatness, one name instantly comes to mind—Simone Biles. The four-time Olympic gold medalist, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, shocked the world during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when she withdrew from several events citing mental health struggles. Now, with the release of her $66 million Netflix documentary, Biles is peeling back the curtain and sharing her truth like never before. This article dives deep into what Biles revealed, why her story matters, and how her openness is reshaping the way we talk about athletes, pressure, and mental health.
The Netflix Deal That Shook the Sports World
Netflix reportedly invested $66 million into Simone Biles’ documentary, a staggering figure that highlights not just her star power, but also the cultural impact of her story. This is more than a sports doc—it’s a movement.
Simone Biles at Tokyo 2020: The World Stopped Watching in Shock
In Tokyo, the unthinkable happened. Biles, the face of Team USA and gymnastics royalty, withdrew mid-competition. For fans expecting flawless routines and gold medals, it was a moment of disbelief. But behind the scenes, Biles was facing something even more difficult than physical injury—the twisties, a mental block that scrambles an athlete’s sense of space in the air.
The Twisties Explained: More Than Just Fear
What are the twisties? Imagine driving a car at 200 mph and suddenly forgetting how to steer—that’s how dangerous it is in gymnastics. Biles opened up in her documentary about how terrifying it felt to lose control mid-air, risking her body, career, and life with every attempted routine.
Mental Health Takes Center Stage
For decades, athletes were expected to “push through” no matter the pain—physical or mental. But Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health over medals changed the conversation worldwide. She wasn’t just protecting herself; she was making a stand for athletes everywhere.
The Courage to Say ‘No’
Walking away from the biggest stage in sports history takes guts. Biles admitted in the film that she feared being labeled a quitter. Instead, she became a symbol of strength. Her vulnerability resonated with millions who had silently battled their own struggles.
Public Reaction: Divided but Powerful
Not everyone supported Biles at first. Some critics called her weak or selfish. But the overwhelming majority praised her bravery. Social media exploded with messages of support, turning Biles into a trailblazer for athlete well-being.
Family First: The Role of Loved Ones
The documentary sheds light on the unwavering support from her family, especially her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and her close circle of friends. Their encouragement was the safety net she needed during her darkest moments.
From Athlete to Advocate
Since Tokyo, Biles has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. She’s spoken at universities, partnered with organizations, and urged sports governing bodies to do better in protecting athletes.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, is in a rare pause from competition following her triumphant Paris Olympics campaign but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped being busy as she pens a $66m deal with Netflix. So, while she steps away from the mat, her presence continues to dominate the global stage in a different arena: storytelling; with the launch of Simone Biles Rising, a four-part Netflix docuseries covering her journey from the 2020 to 2024 Olympics. The series, now nominated for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series at the 2025 Emmy Awards, captures her experiences and the wider mental toll of elite sport from the lows of Tokyo to the highs of Paris, as she battled mental health problems.
In Japan, Biles stunned the world when she withdrew from the women’s team final after suffering from the “twisties,” a dangerous mental block that strips gymnasts of their air awareness mid-routine. Her decision, prioritizing safety over competition, sparked global debate after she left Team USA on the backfoot with the decision as they lost the woman regarded as the best gymnast of all-time. “Behind the scenes, people don’t get that inside view,” Biles explained of why she stepped back. “We wanted to take them through the whole process. “The good days and the bad days and make it feel real and raw. And with Netflix being global, it means everyone has the opportunity to watch.”
Though criticized at the time, Biles went on to earn a team silver and a bronze on balance beam and the new production by Netflix captures the personal cost of that choice and the resilience that followed. So, Simone Biles Rising does more than chronicle medals, it exposes the daily grind, mental strain, and recovery process after public failure and the amount of sheer effort that goes into becoming an Olympic champion. “They’ve become like family,” Biles said of the Netflix crew. “The cameras didn’t matter. “I felt their support. With my family absent, knowing Katie would be there that day meant a lot.” The project itself has already garnered critical acclaim, earning not only an Emmy nomination but also a PGA Award for Best Sports Program and two Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards.
Will Simone Biles compete at 2028 Olympic Games?
Biles has not confirmed whether she will compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, leaving her future in the sport uncertain as she could potentially retire to begin her family with the Chicago Bears’ Jonathan Owens. She has emphasized that her current focus is on enjoying life outside of gymnastics, including travel and time with her husband but hasn’t ruled out heading to the floor in Los Angeles in 2028. “I haven’t made a decision yet,” Biles told L’Equipe. I’m trying to enjoy life, travel, spend time with my husband.
