As I sat down to watch the captivating second part of “Simone Biles Rising” on Netflix, I found myself utterly mesmerized by the indomitable spirit and resilience of this phenomenal athlete. Three years after her courageous decision to prioritize her mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, Simone returned to the Olympic floor in Paris, determined to reclaim her title. The series beautifully intertwines Biles’ career with the history of gymnastics, highlighting how she was born following Nadia Comăneci’s historic gold medal win at the 1976 Olympics.
Three years after deciding not to compete in the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics (originally scheduled for 2020 but moved due to the pandemic), renowned gymnast Simone Biles made her comeback to the Olympic stage in Paris, aiming to regain her title. During the interim between competitions, critics had questioned Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health over gymnastics. In the first half of the four-episode docuseries “Simone Biles Rising,” directed by Katie Walsh, Biles shares candidly about her remarkable career and the challenges that culminated in her struggles at the Tokyo Games. The concluding episodes of “Rising” concentrate on the 2024 Paris Olympics and the person and athlete Biles has evolved into. Packed with genuine and uplifting moments, along with captivating footage of gymnastics competitions, Part 2 of “Rising” is a heartfelt tribute and a fitting conclusion to her journey.
In July 2024, Part 2 starts in the beautiful city of Paris. The scene opens with Biles, her mom, Nellie, and her sister, Adria, indulging in pastries, marveling at the sights, and shopping to their hearts’ content, as the City of Light glows around them. However, this peaceful moment is merely a prelude to the impending turmoil. In a private reflection, Biles recalls an injury she sustained during qualifications in Paris. Despite being mentally fit, her body, specifically her calf, may not be ready for the challenge ahead.
Starting from the initial sequences of Episode 3 titled “I Will Defy the Odds,” we move back four months to March 14, 2024, which happens to be Biles’ 27th birthday. While her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and her mother are excited to celebrate, for Biles, this day is just another demanding day at the gym, a stark reminder of her age and the toll it has taken on her body. Typically, female gymnasts retire well before their mid-twenties. However, against all odds, Biles would become the oldest female American gymnast to compete in the Olympics since the 1950s.
The series ‘Rising’ effectively positions Simone Biles’ career within the broader context of gymnastics history, showcasing how the sport has evolved over the years. In discussions with historians, gymnastic legends like Nadia Comăneci and Laurie Hernandez (an esteemed former Olympian and insightful commentator), the program delves into how the sport transformed from one decade to another. It also highlights the emergence of Biles as a successor to Comăneci’s groundbreaking gold medal win at the 1976 Olympics when she was just 14 years old. The fact that Biles has competed in three consecutive games without any major injuries at her age underscores the importance of balancing mental and physical health, which could revolutionize the sport for future athletes.
After Simone Biles’ birthday, the program leaps ahead to the gymnastics Olympic trials in Minnesota and eventually the Paris games. Those who watched the summer games may remember Biles leaving the mat a day before the team final. The calf injury she sustained was alarming, bringing back memories of Tokyo as viewers saw her crawl after her warm-up. However, Biles remained resolute throughout. The cameras capture her persevering through the pain and defying being crushed under the pressure of countless opinions and expectations.
Initially, the show’s early segments focused on Simone Biles regaining her expression and exposing the harmful environment that had been an integral part of competitive gymnastics for many years. Yet, the last two episodes shift their focus to celebrate the grace and appeal of the sport. In the fourth episode titled “I Will Rise,” Biles competes fiercely against Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who has presented a significant challenge to Biles in terms of technique and complexity.
In Episode 3, viewers get a peek into the personal lives of Biles and Owens. They faced criticism when Owens revealed on a podcast that he wasn’t familiar with her before they started dating. This led to negative media attention towards Owens, causing Biles to defend their marriage and deactivate her Twitter account. However, the series “Rising” shows their unwavering support for each other. In one scene, Owens throws the first pitch at a Chicago White Sox game, while in another, he cheers for Biles during the Paris Games, wearing a custom-made T-shirt and keeping a close eye on the competitions and scores. Despite the challenges they face as public figures, their relationship serves as a sanctuary of empathy and understanding.
The second part of ‘Simone Biles Rising’ isn’t as spellbinding as the first, but it still keeps you hooked. Beyond the friendly rivalry between Biles and Andrade in the Women’s All-Around, there are plenty of lighter scenes. For instance, both Biles and her teammate Jordan Chiles express apprehension about their Ralph Lauren Opening Ceremony outfits, and Owens attempts to calm Biles before competitions. Later, we see an emotional outpouring from Biles as the games come to a close, filled with tears and relief. The series not only highlights Biles’ legendary status, but also portrays a champion who overcame all obstacles in a truly beautiful way.
“Simone Biles Rising” Part 2 premieres Oct. 25 on Netflix.
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2024-10-25 17:23