Simone Biles Rising: Netflix Docuseries Chronicles Gymnast’s Triumph Over Mental Health and Physical Challenges

Olympic champion Simone Biles shares an inspiring journey in the Netflix docuseries Simone Biles Rising, directed by Katie Walsh. The series offers a candid and emotional look at Biles’s struggle with mental health, her withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and her preparation for a comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A Raw and Personal Look at Biles’s Journey

Biles opens up about the challenges of being filmed for four years, revealing it took therapy and commitment to embrace the project. She and Walsh aimed to fill a gap in sports documentaries by telling a compelling story about mental health in elite athletics.

Walsh prioritized Biles’s well-being throughout filming, emphasizing the motto “people before projects.” The team regularly checked in to prepare Biles for interviews about sensitive subjects, ultimately becoming like family.

Tokyo 2020 and The ‘Twisties’

One of the most memorable moments in the docuseries is Biles’s honest confrontation with “the twisties” — a dangerous mental block affecting gymnasts’ spatial awareness during aerial moves. This condition forced Biles to withdraw from several Olympic events, sparking global conversations about mental health in sports.

Biles described being physically fit but mentally fragile during Tokyo, emphasizing the distinction between pushing through physical pain and mental struggles.

Comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Despite suffering a partially torn calf muscle during warm-ups, Biles returned to competition with determination. She shared her fears of being labeled a quitter, determined to prove her resilience.

Biles explained the difference between overcoming physical injuries and mental barriers, noting that mental alignment is crucial for gymnastics success.

Looking Ahead to 2028 and Beyond

At 28, Biles acknowledges the physical toll gymnastics takes on the body, calling herself “old” by gymnastics standards. While uncertain about competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she expressed excitement to be involved, whether as an athlete or a supporter.

Watch Simone Biles Rising on Netflix

The docuseries offers a powerful look at one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, highlighting vulnerability, strength, and hope.