Simone Biles Rising chronicles the return of the athlete considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games following her withdrawal from the competition in Tokyo four years earlier. It’s a triumphant tale of athleticism, discipline and resilience that results in Biles doing exactly what she set out to do — win gold medals in the team final and all-around final — but as director Katie Walsh and her production crew documented what Biles dubbed her “redemption tour” in real time, they had no clue how things would turn out.
“It’s making a movie when you don’t know the ending,” says Walsh, who also directed the 2021 Facebook Watch docuseries Simone vs Herself. “Going into that series, the expectation was that she was going to win all the things and retire, and there was a really hard left turn toward the end. In the months that followed the Tokyo Games, I thought, there’s no way she’s going to walk away at this point because, as a professional athlete who’s so in control of her physical abilities, that wasn’t on her terms. So I was here and always ready if she decided, but it was totally up to her whether she would come back and then whether she would make a film about her comeback.”
When Simone Biles decided to go all in on a Netflix documentary, she didn’t just agree to tell her story—she opened the floodgates to vulnerability, triumph, trauma, and transformation. In “Simone Biles Rising,” audiences get a front-row seat to the life behind the medals.
So, what pushed the world’s greatest gymnast to pull back the curtain? And what does the director reveal about her journey? Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the Netflix documentary that has everyone talking.
Who Is Simone Biles, Really?
The GOAT Status Explained
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast. She’s a symbol of power, precision, and perseverance. With 7 Olympic medals and 25 World Championship medals, she’s the most decorated gymnast in history.
But She’s More Than Medals
What we often miss is the human behind the flips—the one who struggles, questions, and conquers. This documentary brings that side to light.
Why Netflix? The Director Explains
The Platform of Authenticity
In an exclusive interview, the documentary’s director explains that Simone didn’t want a puff piece. She wanted truth, depth, and vulnerability. Netflix was willing to offer full creative control—and that sealed the deal.
“She Wanted to Tell the Story Her Way”
“She came to us not as a superstar, but as a woman ready to own her narrative,” the director shares.
The Big Decision: Going “All In”
What Does ‘All In’ Mean for Simone?
No filters. No holding back. Simone opens up about mental health, family struggles, public pressure, and more. She exposes the good, the bad, and the deeply personal.
A Moment of Truth
The doc captures the emotional moment Simone says, “If I do this, I have to go all in. No hiding.” That’s not just bravery—it’s a revolution in athlete storytelling.
Behind the Scenes: Real Life on Film
No Glamour Shots—Just Raw Reality
Forget the glitz. The footage includes everything from training fails to tear-filled therapy sessions. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s riveting.
Home Videos, Voice Memos, and Candid Moments
Some of the most powerful scenes come from Biles’ personal recordings. Her pain and healing process come alive in ways that feel deeply intimate.
Mental Health at Center Stage
The Twisties and the Truth
Simone talks candidly about experiencing “the twisties”—a dangerous mental block in gymnastics. The film doesn’t dramatize it. It humanizes it.
A Message to Young Athletes
By prioritizing mental health over medals, Biles sets a new gold standard for sports leadership.
Powerful Interviews Add Depth
Family, Friends, and Fellow Olympians
You’ll hear from her mom, teammates, and even critics. The result? A 360-degree view of what it’s like to live under a global microscope.
The Therapist’s Viewpoint
One of the most eye-opening interviews comes from Simone’s therapist, who explains the hidden toll of trauma and fame.
Her Backstory Finally Told Right
Adoption, Abuse, and Resilience
From foster care to facing abuse within USA Gymnastics, Simone’s backstory is a blueprint of pain-turned-power. The doc tells it with dignity and grit.
Why This Documentary Matters Right Now
Timing Is Everything
With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, “Simone Biles Rising” isn’t just a reflection—it’s a rally cry.
Changing the Narrative
This film isn’t just for sports fans. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, judged, or underestimated.
The Social Media Buzz
Twitter Can’t Stop Talking About It
The hashtag #SimoneBilesRising trended within hours. Tweets praised her honesty and called the doc “the best athlete bio ever.”
Celebrities Show Support
From Michelle Obama to LeBron James, public figures are publicly celebrating Simone’s courage.
Must-See Moments
When Simone Says She Felt “Broken”
One of the doc’s most heartbreaking scenes is Simone explaining how she felt like a “broken doll” after the Tokyo Olympics.
When She Laughs Again
But there’s redemption. Watching her rediscover joy—on and off the mat—is worth every minute.
Director’s Vision and Impact
Not Just a Sports Film
The director says, “This is about identity, pressure, and the power of reclaiming your voice.”
Designed to Inspire
With cinematic beauty and emotional gravity, the film is set to impact generations to come.
Key Takeaways from “Simone Biles Rising”
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Vulnerability is strength.
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Athletes are human, too.
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Telling your story on your terms is the ultimate form of power.
Conclusion: This Is Simone, Uncensored
“Simone Biles Rising” is more than a documentary—it’s a movement. It shows us that even legends get scared, even heroes need help, and even champions fall before they rise higher than ever.
It’s not just about flips and medals. It’s about the fight to be fully yourself in a world that wants you to fit a mold.
