Netflix’s Simone Biles Rising is a docuseries about Simone Biles, who is known as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. The film is directed by Katie Walsh and produced by Victor Buhler, Ashley Reese, Gotham Chopra, and Janey Miller. Some people call Biles the most dominant athlete in the world. In 2020, during the Tokyo Olympics, Biles stopped competing because of concerns about her mental state. The world was watching, and people had mixed reactions to her decision. Now, with another Olympic competition coming, Biles has gained more experience and insights about health, competition, and success. The first season of Simone Biles Rising was released on July 17, 2024, on Netflix.
Where Was “Simone Biles Rising” Filmed?
Simone Biles Rising was filmed in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2023. The filmmakers chose this location to capture some important moments and interviews with Biles. The beautiful and historic city of Antwerp provided a perfect backdrop for the documentary.
A Look at Some Key Scenes: In one scene, Biles shows viewers a guest room where she keeps many untouched items from the Tokyo Games. These include a mask she calls the “COVID dog muzzle,” untraded Team USA pins, Ralph Lauren outfits, and a boarding pass. The most painful item for her is her competition bib from the Tokyo team finals, where a vault went wrong and changed everything for her. Biles talks about how she used to sit in that room and cry, questioning why it happened to her.
The docuseries revisits that vault moment in slow motion, showing how Biles got lost in midair but still managed to land on her feet, though she was visibly shaken. After encouraging her teammates, she withdrew from most of the competition, competing in only one more event. The series does not only focus on gymnastics but also on Biles’ mental health crisis, showing her journey from that low point to her impressive return to competition.
Capturing Revealing Moments: The film crew captured many revealing moments, like Biles’ pep talk to her teammates and her decision to withdraw due to the “twisties,” a dangerous condition that causes gymnasts to lose their sense of direction in the air. The series also shows her family reacting in real-time to her struggles.
Highlighting Mental Health: The main strength of the documentary is how it highlights the significance of Biles’ return to the Olympics, given the mental and emotional challenges she faced. It underscores the importance of mental health care and the stigma surrounding invisible illnesses. Even though Biles received an outpouring of support, she still heard the harshest criticisms the loudest, which echoed her own fears.
Deeper Roots of Trauma: The series also explores the deeper roots of Biles’ trauma, including the strict environment of the U.S. national team program under Bela and Marta Karolyi, which allowed for the abuses of Larry Nassar, one of the worst predators in sports history. Biles, like many others, was a survivor of Nassar’s abuse.
A Powerful Portrait: The docuseries paints a powerful portrait of Biles, not just as a gymnast but as a human being who has faced immense challenges and come out stronger. It shows her determination, resilience, and the importance of mental health in sports and life.
Simone Biles Rising is a must-watch docuseries that provides an in-depth look at the life of one of the greatest athletes in the world. Filmed in Antwerp, Belgium, it captures the struggles and triumphs of Simone Biles, highlighting the importance of mental health and resilience. The series was released on July 17, 2024, and has received praise for its honest and powerful storytelling.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Simone Biles Rising
Q: Where was Simone Biles Rising filmed?
A: Simone Biles Rising was filmed in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2023.
Q: When was Simone Biles Rising released?
A: The first season of Simone Biles Rising was released on July 17, 2024, on Netflix.
Q: Who is in the cast of Simone Biles Rising?
A: Simone Biles Rising is a docuseries that primarily focuses on Simone Biles herself. The series also features appearances by her family, teammates, and coaches, who share insights into her life and career.
Q: Who directed and produced Simone Biles Rising?
A: The docuseries was directed by Katie Walsh and produced by Victor Buhler, Ashley Reese, Gotham Chopra, and Janey Miller.
Q: What is Simone Biles Rising about?
A: Simone Biles Rising is a documentary series that explores the life and career of Simone Biles, focusing on her experiences during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, her mental health journey, and her return to competitive gymnastics.
