Simone Biles shares her life story in “Simone Biles Rising,” a Netflix series that premiered on July 17. The narrative begins with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the American gymnast faced a mental health crisis that forced her to withdraw from competition, leaving the world in disbelief.
As the greatest gymnast of all time, Biles chose to pause and prioritize her well-being, a decision that sparked controversy and criticism. For the first time, she openly named and confronted her feelings, stepping back before a tragedy could occur.
The documentary series delves into the athlete’s past, including her abandonment by her biological parents at age six due to issues with addiction and alcohol. It also chronicles her time in various foster homes before being adopted by her maternal grandfather, Ronald, and his partner, Nellie.
The two-part series also addresses the case of Dr. Larry Nassar, who admitted to sexually abusing young athletes while working at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics.
“Rising” emphasizes Simone Biles’ resilience and her ability to overcome adversity as she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, which have now concluded.
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