Simone Biles’ mother, Nellie Biles, became emotional as she reflected on her daughter’s inspiring comeback during the 2024 Paris Olympics. This followed the challenges Simone faced at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where she experienced severe psycho-physiological issues known as the “twisties” during her vault event. The twisties caused lapses in her spatial awareness mid-air, resulting in her completing only 1.5 rotations instead of the intended 2.5.
In response to these struggles, Biles made the difficult decision to withdraw from several events, including the all-around, team final, vault, and floor exercise, prioritizing her mental and physical health. Despite this, her decision attracted widespread criticism, with some accusing her of being a “quitter” and “weak,” arguing she should have pushed through for the sake of her team and country.
However, Simone’s perseverance led her to triumph at the Paris Olympics, where she played a critical role in helping the U.S. team secure a gold medal, scoring 14.666. Reflecting on her journey, Nellie Biles shared her thoughts during Episode 4 of the Netflix series Simone Biles Rising. The episode explores the emotional highs and lows of Simone’s return to the spotlight after her struggles in 2021.
Before Simone’s individual performance that night, Nellie shared a heartfelt message:
“I know what Simone has gone through. Because I’ve been through this journey with Simone. Everything’s gonna feel like it all came together, regardless of turmoil, of tribulations, the hardships. You could still succeed in the end. Team final was emotional, but it’s gonna be nothing like tonight. That’ll be nothing like tonight. Tonight will be so worth it. It’ll be so worth it.”
Simone went on to clinch two additional gold medals in the all-around and vault events at the 2024 Games, cementing her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
Family Support
Throughout her career, Simone has relied on the unwavering support of her parents, Nellie and Ronald Biles. In Simone Biles Rising, Simone credited them for being her strength, particularly during her decision to step back at the Tokyo Olympics.
In the first episode of the series, titled Write Me Down In History, the challenges and tension of Tokyo were revisited. Simone’s mother comforted her after she made the decision to withdraw, saying:
“I don’t want you going out there if you’re not in a good place, and you don’t need to go out there and hurt yourself. That’s just not right, okay? You need to take care of yourself. Okay? I love you.”
In Episode 3, Nellie shared more about Simone’s dependence on her family for support:
“She was always excited about wearing her competition leotard and me combing her hair. Because she relies on us as a family to be there for her, to listen to her.”
Simone’s father, Ronald, also emphasized the importance of emotional support, saying:
“Just go out there and have fun and be yourself. And whether you win or lose, we still gonna love you. That’s it. We still feel the same way.”
Through her resilience and the support of her family, Simone Biles emerged from the challenges of Tokyo to become the most decorated athlete in gymnastics history, reaffirming her legendary status with her remarkable performances in Paris.