Gymnastics fans and admirers of athletic excellence, mark your calendars for July 17, 2024. Netflix is set to release “Simone Biles Rising,” a captivating two-part docuseries that delves into the life and journey of one of the most iconic gymnasts of our time. This inspiring and intimate look at Simone Biles’s challenges and triumphs is directed by Katie Walsh and produced by Religion of Sports in association with the Olympic Channel.
In the gripping trailer released by Netflix today, an emotional Simone Biles is captured in a raw, candid moment, tears streaming down her face as she bravely makes the heart-wrenching decision to withdraw from the 2020 Olympics.
Synopsis:
Simone Biles has unfinished business. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she was one of the biggest stories leading into the Games. But in sport, as in life, competitions do not always go as planned. And for Simone, the world had a front row seat as her private struggle with mental health exploded on the international stage – forcing her to withdraw from the competition. Since then, Simone has put in the hard work: facing the difficult traumas of her past, learning to manage her mental health, embracing her journey, and in the process, rebuilding her gymnastics from the ground up. Her courage to soar knows no bounds as this summer she plans to return to the Olympic stage once again to do what she’s always done – be the best Simone that she can be. Because through it all, Simone still rises.
“We are all the authors of our own journeys, and I am in a place in my life where I’m comfortable with who I am and what I’ve been through as an athlete, but most of all, as a person,” said Biles in a statement to Netflix. “Gymnastics is what I do but it’s not who I am, and I’m excited for people to see another side of me outside of competition. I know there are young girls out there who look to me for inspiration and are faced with similar challenges, and my hope is that this documentary helps to empower them to be true to who they are and never give up on their dreams. ‘Still I Rise'”
A Closer Look at Simone Biles:
Simone Biles is not just a gymnast; she is a phenomenon. Born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio, Simone began her gymnastics journey at the age of six. By the time she turned 16, she was already a world champion, a title she has held multiple times. Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, with 32 Olympic and World Championship medals to her name.
Her talent and hard work have led to groundbreaking achievements in the sport. She is known for her extraordinary skills, including the eponymous “Biles” moves that she introduced to the sport, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in gymnastics.
However, Biles’s story extends beyond her physical prowess. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she made headlines not just for her anticipated performances but also for her courageous decision to prioritize her mental health by stepping back from several events. This pivotal moment opened up global conversations about the mental health challenges faced by athletes, making Biles a powerful advocate for mental well-being.
“Simone is a once-in-a-generation athlete who has not only pushed the boundaries of gymnastics, but also redefined the meaning of success by putting her mental health above medals and titles,” said Katie Walsh, Director of Simone Biles Rising. “While her athletic abilities are unmatched, it’s the human component to her story that I’m proud to share alongside the remarkable team at Religion of Sports.”
“Simone Biles has won the hearts of fans across the world through her unparalleled excellence as gymnast, bravery in the face of public mental health struggles, and relentless determination,” said Gotham Chopra, co-founder and Executive Producer at Religion of Sports. “This lovingly crafted series will not only inspire, but also amplify necessary conversations around the challenges athletes face with mental health.”
As Biles prepares for her return to the Olympic stage this summer, “Simone Biles Rising” will provide an unprecedented look into her life, showing how she has rebuilt herself from the ground up. This two-part docuseries is not just about gymnastics; it’s about resilience, growth, and the unyielding spirit of a champion.
Be sure to tune in to Netflix on July 17, 2024, to witness the incredible journey of Simone Biles. Her story is one of perseverance and strength, a testament to rising above challenges and continuing to inspire future generations.
