Simone Biles rises in new Netflix docuseries
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She's so back. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
A gripping new Netflix docuseries previews Simone Biles' return to the Olympic stage ahead of Friday's opening ceremonies in Paris.
Why it matters: The series further highlights Biles' decision to prioritize her mental health when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics, which drew both scrutiny and praise.
- It's a reminder that prioritizing mental health is important for all of us, including those in the public eye.
Catch up quick: Biles, who lives and trains in Spring, is the most-decorated gymnast of all time.
- After uncharacteristically stumbling on a vault during the team final at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Biles bowed out of the competition to focus on her mental health.
- She endured backlash from a handful of pundits and a slew of retribution online for "quitting" on her teammates, while others overwhelmingly supported her for being brave enough to prioritize her mental well-being.
Driving the news: The series, "Simone Biles Rising," follows the gymnast closely before, during and after the Tokyo Olympics — including her perseverance as she aimed to be an Olympian again.
The intrigue: The series details how Biles in 2021 dealt with what gymnasts call the "twisties," in which the brain struggles to command the body in the middle of daring and dangerous moves.
- The slightest misstep can yield disastrous — and deadly — results, especially for an athlete like Biles, whose moves are one of a kind.
Flashback: The Tokyo Olympics were held in a quarantined environment without fans in the audience.
- In the documentary, family and friends speculated that the isolation affected Biles, whose loved ones were unable to see her compete in person.
After withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics, Biles headed back to her newly built Houston-area home alongside her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens.
- Almost immediately, she started training again at her home gym in Spring, World Champions Centre.
- Over two episodes, the filmmakers chronicled how Biles built herself back up from the basics until she felt comfortable performing more daring routines.
Ever since, Biles has been back in competitions — winning as ever — in preparation for her Olympic return this year.
💭 Jay's thought bubble: A particularly tender moment in the series resonated with me, when Biles calls her mother, Nellie, after deciding to withdraw in 2021.
- Nellie immediately validates her daughter's decision to prioritize her health, as does the rest of her family, underscoring the role of a strong support system even for those at the top.
- Biles and husband Jonathan Owens also share how their marriage grew stronger after they separately started going to therapy.
Now, Biles is one of several Houstonians in Paris eager and ready to compete in the Olympics.
What we're watching: The first two episodes of "Simone Biles Rising" are streaming now on Netflix.
- Two more are expected to be released in the fall after the Paris Olympics have concluded.