The Olympics are approaching, bringing with them television coverage that will feature a variety of short films on American athletes. These segments often delve into the athletes’ families, childhood dreams, or personal struggles to help viewers connect more deeply with their quests for gold.
For those seeking a more profound and insightful introduction to the games, “Simone Biles Rising” offers just that. This two-part documentary, premiering Wednesday on Netflix, is the first half of what will eventually be a four-part series. Directed by Katie Walsh, the documentary follows the dramatic journey of Simone Biles as she returns to the Olympics after withdrawing from the 2020 Games due to a mental block known among gymnasts as the twisties.
However, the documentary goes beyond the obvious and captivating comeback story. At 27, Biles will be the oldest American woman to compete in Olympic gymnastics in 72 years. “Rising” provides a portrait of Biles not just as an extraordinarily gifted athlete, but as a relatable and articulate individual. The series highlights her roles as a daughter, sister, teammate, friend, and newlywed to Green Bay Packer Jonathan Owens. Critically, it also addresses her survival as a victim of the infamous Larry Nassar, focusing on how this trauma contributed to her struggles in Tokyo and her journey through therapy to rebuild herself.
The documentary will likely remind viewers of Netflix’s 2021 series “Naomi Osaka,” which similarly explored the mental health challenges of a female sports superstar. Athletes are often seen as less than human or more than human, but not exactly human. This perspective overlooks the mental challenges they face, which can be as significant as their physical ones. As the most decorated woman in her sport, Biles has experienced immense pressure to win, which has impacted her life profoundly.
Following Biles from her Tokyo breakdown to the doorstep of Paris, the series portrays her as a cooperative and admirable subject. The opening episode, “Write Me Down in History,” quickly addresses her lowest point, highlighting the toll her sport takes on her body and mind.
After withdrawing from the 2020 Games, Biles faced public criticism and self-doubt, despite receiving ample support. “Rising” emphasizes the inherent dangers in gymnastics that casual viewers might not consider. For instance, the Yurchenko double pike is so perilous that Biles admits she often focuses on just surviving it.
Featuring commentary from Olympic medalists like Aly Raisman, Svetlana Boguinskaia, Betty Okino, and Dominique Dawes, the documentary also offers a brief history of women’s gymnastics, highlighting the role of Black women and the toxic environment previously fostered by coaches like Béla and Márta Károlyi. Biles’ current coaches, Laurent Landi and Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, appear much more concerned with her well-being than solely winning medals.
Simone Biles is an extraordinary athlete whose performances transcend gymnastics, demonstrating a level of discipline and ingenuity comparable to magic. Her ability to twist, turn, and flip in unprecedented combinations has expanded the limits of what is possible in the sport, offering a captivating aesthetic experience for anyone who watches her.