Netflix Announces New Documentary Series Featuring Simone Biles
The new Netflix documentary series, titled Simone Biles Rising, based on the star gymnast’s career, has released its trailer and will premiere on July 17.
The documentary, Simone Biles Rising, will follow Biles through her journey back onto the mat after she stepped away at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Struggling with her mental health, Biles decided to withdraw from the Olympics to prioritize her well-being. The four-part documentary will showcase the triumphs and defeats the athlete has faced, proving that anything is possible.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist has coursed through mental blocks, social media hate, and the pressure of the entire world watching her. In the trailer, Biles states, “I get to write my own ending.” The athlete hopes to show her viewers that she will not let her past difficulties define her, but rather use them as a strength to push forward.
At the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, Biles withdrew from competing after experiencing the twisties on the vault. While performing an Amanar, she opened up mid-air, causing her to become unaware of her surroundings. The athlete made a tough decision to step back, letting her teammate, Jordan Chiles, take her place in the all-around.
Simone Biles will compete in the #Olympics balance beam event after withdrawing from other events.
— AJ+ (@ajplus) August 2, 2021
The 4-time gold medalist withdrew from other events citing mental health and experiences with the "twisties," which can cause injury: "We have to protect our minds and our bodies." pic.twitter.com/MaZZaehrL5
The athlete expressed her struggles in the trailer stating, “I wanted to quit like 500,000 times. And I would have if it weren’t for my people.” Biles‘ support system on and off the mat encouraged her to put her mental and physical health first. After the 2020 Olympics, she received backlash from the community, calling her selfish for letting her team down. Biles stood up against the criticism, telling the world that “the word quitter is not in my vocabulary.”
Two-time Olympian Aly Raisman exhibited her excitement for her close friend in the trailer. Raisman stated, “I know that she’s expected to win all the gold medals, but even the fact she’s trying to come back is really amazing.” Raisman and Biles competed together at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the two athletes share the struggles it takes to be an Olympian.
One year ago today, Simone Biles and Aly Raisman finished one-two in the all-around final at the Rio Olympics. #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/rINPOvLNoj
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 11, 2017
Simone Biles Rising, directed by Kaite Walsh, will take her loving fans behind the scenes, showcasing what it takes to be an Olympic gold medalist. Fans are excited to see the series, as they will dive into Biles’ life.
I admire Simone not only for her skills, leadership and master shop of her craft. More importantly she is a model and example to all those over coming traumatic incidents and rising above them.
— Cathy Sylvester (@CathySylvester7) June 19, 2024
Thank you Simone for your level of excellence
Check out Simone Biles Rising documentary trailer below.