10 Takeaways From Simone’s Docuseries That Have us Fangirling

In the glitzy world of sports docuseries, Netflix’s "Simone Biles: Rising" stands out, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the life of the most decorated gymnast in history. Here are ten Sportsish exclusive insights that make us love her even more:

1. Biles’ Rollercoaster Training Journey

Simone didn’t immediately dive back into intense training after the Tokyo Olympics. It took her years to overcome the twisties, a mental block in gymnastics, requiring her to take time off and focus on remastering simple flips and tricks she could no longer perform. It wasn't until 2023 that she could return to serious training, eventually reclaiming her world champion status. Simone openly discussed her struggles, admitting she still gets nervous like anyone else. She rebuilt her confidence from scratch. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and determination in making a remarkable comeback.

2. Hair Don’t Care!

Simone knows the unsolicited opinions on her hair, but she couldn’t care less. Her hair is healthy and strong, and she’s here to shatter Eurocentric beauty standards. In gymnastics, where blonde, straight hair was once the ideal, Simone’s natural curls are a bold statement of beauty and strength. She finds it perplexing that even after winning Olympic gold medals, the narrative can sometimes shift more toward her hair than her monumental achievements in the sport.

3. Girls Supporting Girls

Simone is the epitome of a girl’s girl! During her battle with the twisties, she felt like quitting countless times. But the incredible girls from her home gym rallied around her, offering constant reassurance and unwavering support. Their encouragement helped Simone push through, proving that she’s not only a phenomenal athlete but also a true friend and inspiration. Despite being the greatest of all time, the girls noted that Simone doesn't act like she's better than anyone else. We love Simone for her humble nature and her sisterhood!

4. The ‘Forbidden’ Olympic Closet

Simone has a special closet in a seldom-visited corner of her home, dedicated to her 2020 Tokyo Olympics gear. Filled with uniforms and memories that once brought tears, this space embodies the emotional journey she has endured. Simone's relatable nature comes through as she, like many of us, tries to hide reminders of tough times in a quiet corner of her home. It shows her humanity and how we all seek to manage difficult memories in our own way.

5. Family First

Simone’s family is her rock. When Simone and her sister were taken in from foster care by their grandparents, who became their loving parents, they provided unwavering support every step of the way. The docuseries showcases their tight-knit bond, highlighting how her mom, Nellie, even does Simone’s hair before every competition—a cherished tradition. Simone loves to know exactly where her family sits at every meet so she can find them in the crowd, drawing strength from their presence. Their constant encouragement has been pivotal in Simone’s incredible journey, from her supportive parents to her loving husband.

6. Embracing Mental Health

Simone’s decision to prioritize her mental health during the Tokyo Olympics was a game-changer. The docuseries highlights the immense pressure she faced and her brave choice to step back, sparking a global conversation about mental well-being in sports. Despite the negativity drawn towards her in the media, Simone is grateful she could open up about the emotions she had bottled up for years. By prioritizing therapy, she was able to recover from the twisties, showcasing the profound impact mental health care can have on an athlete's performance. Her courage to speak out has paved the way for other athletes to put mental health first without stigma.

7. Breaking Beauty Norms

The docuseries dives into the racist beauty standards Simone and other Black female gymnasts have faced. Despite their stellar performances, they’ve been unfairly critiqued. Growing up, Simone noticed the lack of representation of Black gymnasts in the Olympics. Seeing Gabby Douglas become the first Black all-around winner was incredibly inspiring for her, showing her that she, too, could achieve greatness. Simone’s resilience against such biases and her determination to succeed in the face of adversity are truly inspiring.

8. Balancing Life and Gymnastics

Simone’s journey is about more than just gymnastics. The series shows her enjoying everyday moments, like cheering on her husband, whom she met online and had their first date during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jonathan Owens has tremendously supported Simone, especially during dark times following the Tokyo Olympics. He reminds her constantly that difficulties are essential for personal growth. Simone loves attending Jonathan’s NFL games because it allows her to enjoy moments where the attention is not solely focused on her, providing a welcome change from the intense scrutiny of gymnastics.

9. Advocating for Abuse Survivors

Simone's courage extends beyond the mat as she openly discusses being a survivor of abuse. The series highlights her role in advocating for change within USA Gymnastics and supporting fellow survivors, making her an even more powerful role model. Simone has been vocal about her desire to make a change, reflecting on how she tried to convince herself for years that everything was okay when it wasn't. Her bravery in confronting these issues head-on has empowered her and inspired countless others to speak up and seek justice.

10. The Paris Olympics Tease

With the Paris Olympics around the corner, the docuseries leaves us on the edge of our seats. At 27, Simone is considered older for an Olympic gymnast, but she doesn't want to have any regrets about cutting her career short of a full Olympic cycle as she gets older. Whether Simone adds more gold to her collection or not, her focus on self-care and mental health sets a powerful example for athletes everywhere, demonstrating that prioritizing well-being is crucial regardless of age or stage in one's career.

“Simone Biles: Rising" isn’t just a documentary; it celebrates beauty, determination, and courage. Catch it on Netflix and prepare to be inspired by one of our favorite groundbreaking girls!