Gymnast performs at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Three years after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 instead of 2020 due to the pandemic), the famous gymnast Simone Biles She returned to the Olympic track in Paris determined to regain her title. In the years between the Olympics, detractors had criticized the gold medalist for choosing to take a step back and focus on her mental health. In it first half of the four-part documentary series directed by Katie Walsh “Simone Biles on the rise”, Biles opens up about her fascinating career and the struggles that led to her setback in Tokyo. The final episodes of “Rising” focus on the Paris 2024 Games and the woman and athlete Biles has become. Filled with raw and inspiring moments, with stunning images of gymnastics competitions, Part 2 of “Rising” is both a celebration and a magnificent finale.

Part 2 begins in Paris in July 2024. The camera finds Biles, her mother, Nellie, and her sister, Adria, enjoying the pastries, sights, and shopping in the City of Light. But this is just the calm before the storm. During a confessional, Biles reflects on an injury she suffered during the qualifiers in Paris. Even though you feel mentally fine, your body (particularly your calf) may not be up to the task.

From these opening scenes, episode 3, “I Will Defy the Odds,” jumps back four months to March 14, 2024, Biles’ 27th birthday. While her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and her mother are eager to celebrate, for Biles this is another rigorous day in the gym, a reminder of her age and the wear and tear on her body. Most gymnasts retire well before their mid-twenties. Despite all expectations, Biles would become the oldest American gymnast to compete in the Olympics since the 1950s.

“Rising” works wonderfully because it intertwines Biles’ career with the history of gymnastics. In interviews with historians, legendary Olympian Nadia Comăneci and Laurie Hernandez (former Olympian and charming commentator), the series illustrates how the sport changed over the decades and how the little pixie gymnast was born after the historic medal of Comăneci’s gold at age 14 at the 1976 Olympics. That Biles competes in three consecutive games at her age without any major injuries shows that valuing physical and mental well-being equally could be a game-changer for newcomers.

After Biles’ birthday, the show moves on to the Olympic gymnastics trials in Minnesota and the games in Paris. Viewers who watched the summer games will remember Biles jumping off the mat the day before the team final. The calf tear she suffered was terrifying and gave viewers flashbacks to Tokyo as they watched Biles crawl after her warm-up, but she never wavered. Cameras show her overcoming the pain and refusing to be buried under the weight of millions of opinions and expectations.

The first half of the series. It was about Biles finding her voice and revealing the toxic culture that has been ingrained in competitive gymnastics for decades. However, the last two episodes are about the beauty of sport. In episode 4, “I Will Rise,” Biles goes head-to-head against Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who has given Biles a run for her money in technique and difficulty.

Additionally, audiences see more glimpses into Biles’ personal life. In episode 3, Biles and Owens addressed the public’s reaction to him sharing on a podcast that he didn’t know who she was before they connected romantically. The Chicago Bears’ safety was criticized in the media, leading Biles to defend her marriage and delete her X account (formally known as Twitter). Despite the external drama, “Rising” shows the couple’s support and love for each other. Biles watches as Owens throws out the first pitch at a Chicago White Sox game, and later, Owens, dressed in a custom Biles jersey, watches the competitions and the scoreboard like a hawk during the Paris Games. Although the world often forgets the humanity of public figures, together the two athletes have created a bubble of safety and understanding.

Part 2 of “Simone Biles Rising” is not as captivating as part 1, but the show is still engaging. In addition to the friendly rivalry between Biles and Andrade in the Women’s All-Around, audiences see plenty of lighter moments, including the Olympian and her teammate Jordan Chiles’ apprehensive reaction to their Opening Ceremony team. Ralph Lauren, Owens’ attempt to relax. Biles’ anxiety before the competition and then the overflow of tears and relief when the games end. While the series showcases Biles’ legacy, it is also a beautiful reflection of a champion who defied all odds.

“Simone Biles Rising” Part 2 premieres on October 25 netflix.