Only a day away from the Paris 2024 Olympic ceremony, this in-depth examination of arguably the greatest gymnast ever makes for compelling viewing.
“And still rising” is a tattoo written on her shoulder and is a perfect quote to describe Simone Biles, as well as being a powerful metaphor to describe this documentary.
It is still astonishing to see her move through the air with grace and skill and the footage in the just released first part of this sometimes-harrowing doc showcases her talents to great effect. The show also shows how Biles has had to adjust her training and technique as her career has progressed to accommodate her abilities.
Bile’s story is much more than just her legendary success at World Championships and Olympics. This four-part documentary series, the first half of which has been released delves into the trial and tribulations of Simone’s journey in her personal life too. This adds depth to her character, and the private person comes across as thoughtful and empathetic. There is always a steely determination running through her though, which reveals the strength of character you need to succeed at the highest level.
As well as her private life, including a marriage to American Footballer player Jonathan Owens, the focus is a reflection on her withdrawal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as her return to the Olympic trials for Paris 2024.
The first two episodes have more twists and turns than her routines on the floor, which makes for tense and thought-provoking viewing.
It has been four years since Simone Biles shocked audiences by withdrawing from the 2020 Olympics.
“Your body can only function for so long before your fuses blow out,” she says in the documentary.
She explains she came down with a bad case of “twisties” which is where an athlete suddenly loses their sense of where their body is in space. This can be extremely dangerous.
The filmmakers have been given extraordinary access to the gymnast, her family and home life. They do not abuse the access given and the production never feels intrusive or exploitive.
You could feel that the first episode was a little broad in scope, but as you get into the second episode it delved deeper into her life story and elite training.
The most important aspect that Simone wanted to reveal was her traumatic past. She explains her past in foster care and her sexual abuse at the hands of USA Gymnastics Team Doctor Larry Nassar. Her bravery and willingness to speak about the complexities of being a public survivor of abuse and an advocate for victims is commendable.
This documentary could be watched in tandem with Athlete A (which explains the sordid story of Larry Nasser in more detail). I thought it was insightful to see how she coped with her built up feelings, which probably effected the Tokyo withdrawal, and you begin to wonder how she coped for that long without the trauma she suffered affecting her performance earlier.
It was good to see her looking into the camera in preparation for the Paris Olympics with confidence and you got the sense she was relaxed and happy.
This documentary sets up the Paris Olympics and her participation in it and its exciting to see what she can achieve. Surely though, she will leave everyone in no doubt she is the GOAT in her sport.
Can’t wait for Part Two.
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