As a fan and admirer of Simone Biles’ remarkable gymnastics career, I find “Simone Biles Rising” to be an enlightening and inspiring docuseries that offers a rare glimpse into the life of this extraordinary athlete. The series masterfully weaves together her personal story with the historical context of gymnastics, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced by Black women in the sport.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics instead of the anticipated 2020 event, due to the pandemic, Simone Biles, the most accomplished gymnast in history, unexpectedly withdrew from competition just before it began. The U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team had been highly anticipated, and Biles’ sudden exit triggered a global uproar, with many assuming it was her final Olympics appearance. However, if you have kept up with Biles’ career, it’s no surprise that she has a knack for defying expectations. As we look forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles invites us into her world through Netflix’s “Simone Biles Rising.” In this four-part docuseries, Biles recounts the journey of her remarkable career, discusses her Tokyo experience, and shares why she has decided to return to competition. Directed by Katie Walsh, the series beautifully balances the history of gymnastics with Biles’ personal story – a captivating blend of struggle and triumph.
The show begins by depicting the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. A 27-year-old athlete reflects on the high anticipation surrounding the Olympic Games and her sense of unease prior to arriving in Japan. Subsequently, the narrative jumps between past and present events, leading us back to Paris. The audience is exposed to various scenes, including disturbing footage of Biles losing orientation mid-flight due to the “twisties” – a dangerous affliction that led to her withdrawal from competition. Additionally, we catch glimpses of home videos featuring Biles and her sister Adria, as they reminisce about their time in foster care before being adopted.
The documentary “Rising” showcases an enthralling and valuable journey as we witness Biles regain her self-assurance in gymnastics. This series not only highlights Biles’ significant impact on the sport, but also underscores the historical significance of Black women in gymnastics. With Biles leading the charge, this group’s presence in the sport is still a comparatively recent development. She follows in the footsteps of trailblazers like Gabby Douglas, Dominique Dawes, and Betty Okino. The docuseries delves into the problematic culture within gymnastics, but Biles, Dawes, and Okino also discuss their experiences with exclusion due to their distinct hair textures and body types. An unexpectedly poignant moment involves Okino sharing her past experience of having her naturally flat feet manipulated by her coaches against her will.
In Episode 1, titled “Write Me Down in History,” the show brings attention to the pervasive misogynoir Black women like Simone Biles face when they step into the public spotlight. Although there was much discussion when Biles decided not to compete at the Tokyo Olympics, the most vocal critics were middle-aged men harshly criticizing her for prioritizing her well-being. Despite Biles publicly sharing her mental health challenges and cheering on her teammates from the sidelines, her sportsmanship was disregarded, and she was harshly judged for being unable to “deliver.” This portion is particularly disturbing as the abusive practices of USA Gymnastics and the prosecution of sexual predator Larry Nassar were public knowledge by 2021. Biles has bravely shared her own experiences as a survivor of Nassar’s heinous crimes. The episode “Simone Biles Rising” powerfully illustrates how becoming an icon can rob someone of their human dignity.
“Three Years of Truth and Triumph: Simone Biles’ Journey”
High-achieving athletes excel not just because of their physical skills, but also due to their ability to separate and focus on different aspects of their lives. They face personal struggles, yet manage to set these issues aside during competitions, games, and performances. In the article “Simone Biles Rising,” Biles urges us all to consider the impact when athletes prioritize their mental health alongside their physical well-being. The external distractions can be suppressed for a limited time, but ultimately, taking control over what you’ve been made to feel ashamed about and believing in your capacity to live life according to your own rules leads to genuine liberation.
“Simone Biles Rising” Part 1 premieres July 17 on Netflix. Part 2 will premiere this fall.
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2024-07-17 10:16