Simone Biles is widely regarded as fearless, a gymnast who conquered the “twisties,” accumulated 11 Olympic medals, and helped normalize discussions around mental health. However, in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, even Biles felt vulnerable. Despite being physically and mentally prepared for the games, she experienced an emotional rollercoaster as the pressure mounted.
In a sneak peek from the teaser of Simone Biles Rising Part 2, which premieres on Netflix on October 25, Biles opens up about the emotional challenges she faced before heading to Paris. She acknowledged that while she felt confident in the team’s strength, there were also overwhelming emotions. “An Olympic year is stressful,” Biles admitted, noting that the anxiety extended beyond gymnastics itself. She expressed the fear of the unknown, worrying about potential flashbacks to her struggles in Tokyo, possible mistakes in the gym, or even the risk of injury.
Her emotional strain was evident as she described the feelings of nervousness, saying she felt like she could “throw up, cry, pee [herself], all the things.” Though this was her third Olympics, the stakes were higher than ever. Biles was also older, which brought both experience and added pressure, particularly with expectations for redemption after Tokyo.
Leading up to the 2023 World Championships, Biles revealed moments of doubt, admitting that she had feared certain moves, like the “full-in,” and wondered whether competing again was truly possible. Despite these fears, she found encouragement from her teammates and solace in her weekly therapy sessions, which became essential to her mental well-being. Her personal life, including her relationship with Jonathan Owens and her time spent with her dogs, also provided much-needed balance outside the gym, compared to her previous single-minded focus on gymnastics.
However, the tension leading up to Paris remained. Even Biles’ sister, Adria, commented on the emotional weight of the situation, sharing how nerve-wracking it was for the family to watch Biles confront the pressure. Biles herself felt the burden of proving that she and her teammates were even better athletes this time around, and that determination drove her through a physically and mentally taxing Olympic experience.
Biles’ resilience was on full display in Paris, where she competed despite a calf injury that caused her to limp during warm-ups. During the qualification rounds at Bercy Arena, she was seen taping her ankle, alarming fans. Despite the pain, she pressed on through the qualifications, finals, and individual events. The Netflix series revealed why: Biles wanted to avoid being labeled a “quitter” again, a sentiment she expressed to fellow gymnast Aly Raisman. Biles’ redemption meant everything to her, and she was determined not to look back with regret.
In the end, Biles secured four medals in Paris, proving her resilience. Whether she will return for the LA 2028 Games remains uncertain, but her extraordinary effort in Paris solidified her place as one of the sport’s greatest competitors.
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