Netflix is set to release “Simone Biles Rising,” a new docu-series that delves into the life and comeback of already legendary gymnast Simone Biles. The two-part series premieres ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, is an intimate look at Biles’ journey from the highs of her early career to the challenges she faced at the 2020 Tokyo Games and beyond.
The series features Biles’ video diaries and candid moments as she navigates her return to the sport after withdrawing from multiple events at the Tokyo Olympics due to “the twisties,” a disorienting condition where gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness mid-air. This incident sparked widespread discussions about athletes’ mental health, and “Simone Biles Rising” aims to further these conversations.
“I knew it would be a long journey, but to me, it wasn’t done,” Biles remarks in the trailer. The series not only chronicles her physical preparation but also her emotional healing and the importance of her support system, including her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens.
The docu-series is produced by Religion of Sports and the Olympic Channel, with Gotham Chopra, Ameeth Sankaran, Giselle Parets, Janey Miller, JT Taylor, and Yiannis Exarchos as executive producers. Director Katie Walsh highlights Biles’ story as one of remarkable resilience, emphasizing her dedication to mental health and personal growth alongside her athletic pursuits.
“Simone Biles Rising” offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Biles’ life, including her interactions with her family and former teammate Aly Raisman. The series also explores the broader impact of Biles’ decision to prioritize her well-being over competition, underscoring her role as a trailblazer in the realm of mental health advocacy in sports.
Biles, now 27, is gearing up for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and recently secured her ninth all-around U.S. championship. Her return to the Olympics is highly anticipated, and her story continues to inspire countless fans and aspiring athletes.
“Gymnastics is what I do, but it’s not who I am,” Biles states in a poignant moment from the series. Her journey, captured in “Simone Biles Rising,” is a testament to her unwavering spirit and determination to rewrite her narrative on her terms.
Part 1 of “Simone Biles Rising” premieres on July 17, with Part 2 to follow later in the year.
