US gymnast Simone Biles is sharing her journey back to Olympic competition in a new Netflix documentary series. The four-part series, called Simone Biles Rising, promises viewers an inside look at what has been called “the most powerful comeback in sports.” The documentary follows Biles as she navigates her return to gymnastics after withdrawing from several events during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics due to experiencing “the twisties,” a condition that can impact an athlete’s spatial awareness.
In the trailer for the series, Biles can be seen in emotional moments as she grapples with the decision to step away from competition, citing struggles with mental blocks in the gym and a sense of intuition that led her to withdraw from the Olympics. The documentary, directed by Katie Walsh, captures Biles’ journey as she aims to reclaim her position as a top gymnast in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Biles opens up about the challenges she faced, expressing that she contemplated quitting numerous times but credits her support system for helping her stay the course. The trailer features interviews with her new husband, Jonathan Owens, a professional American football player, as Biles reflects on her determination to shape her own narrative and define success on her own terms.
The first part of the series is scheduled to debut on July 17, leading up to the Paris Olympics. Netflix describes the documentary as a deep dive into Biles’ world as she confronts her vulnerabilities and insecurities, reshaping the idea of what it means to be a champion.
The series promises to offer viewers a raw and intimate look at Biles’ journey, shedding light on the mental and emotional toll of elite competition and the resilience required to overcome setbacks. As fans eagerly anticipate Biles’ return to the mat, the documentary serves as a reminder of the human side of sports and the strength it takes to bounce back from adversity.