Simone Biles is extraordinarily gifted. Netflix doc looks at what makes her ordinary

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As a film enthusiast and someone who has followed the world of sports documentaries closely, I cannot recommend “Simone Biles Rising” enough. This two-part Netflix documentary, which premiered earlier this month, offers a deeply moving and thoughtful exploration of the life of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. It goes beyond the typical sports comeback story and delves into what makes an extraordinary person an ordinary one.

The Olympics are approaching, and they’re making their way onto our TV screens soon. This means we’ll not only get glimpses of Parisian life through charming vignettes, but also a collection of brief informational pieces about (mainly) American athletes. These films will give us insights into their personal backgrounds – their families, childhood aspirations, or challenges they’ve overcome – helping us connect more deeply with their journeys towards winning gold medals.

If you’re seeking a more profound and reflective introduction, I suggest checking out “Simone Biles Rising,” the first half of a four-part documentary premiering on Netflix this Wednesday. Directed by Katie Walsh, this gripping series follows Simone Biles as she prepares to compete in the Olympics once again after experiencing a disconnection between her mind and body, causing her to feel disoriented – a condition known among gymnasts as “the twisties.” (Teammate Joscelyn Roberson describes it as being on one roller coaster and ending up on another.)

I understand that Biles’ story goes beyond just her remarkable comeback at the age of 27 as the oldest American woman in Olympic gymnastics in 72 years. In the documentary “Rising,” we delve deeper into what makes an exceptionally talented individual like her human, focusing on her ordinary side instead.

For individuals captivated by documentaries showcasing female sports champions, they might recall this year’s “Naomi Osaka” on Netflix (2021), where the tennis sensation withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon due to mental health concerns. Some viewers may find it hard to comprehend athletes as complex individuals with emotions, or as superhuman beings, rather than fully human. If they do acknowledge their humanity, they might view their minds as mere tools for victory or hurdles to overcome – especially when the pressure to win starts interfering with everyday life. As the most successful woman in her sport, Biles has long been familiar with this relentless pressure.

The show, chronicling Biles’ journey from her emotional collapse in Tokyo to the brink of Paris, is understanding towards its willing participant. There’s nothing not to admire! She doesn’t come off as someone who requires justifications or provides them herself. The debut episode, titled “Write Me Down in History” – “I’ve always aimed to shatter limits and records” – swiftly delves into the nadir: “Your body can only endure for so long before it gives out.” (She reportedly pondered, “Is this really where we’re doing this now?”)

I was harshly criticized in public after my performance, labeled as a quitter by some pundits and social media users who didn’t seem capable of a simple cartwheel. The praise I received didn’t have as much impact on me as the negative comments and self-criticism. (My Tokyo souvenirs are stored away in a closet that I seldom visit.) But “Rising” reveals what many casual observers may overlook – gymnastics can be more perilous than a broken bone. As I execute the extremely challenging Yurchenko double pike, I’m mostly focusing on staying alive, not exaggerating. It’s now named after me – the fifth element to carry my name – as I was the first woman to land it at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Using the perspectives of Olympic medalists Aly Raisman, Svetlana Boguinskaia, Betty Okino, and Dominique Dawes, this piece delves into the history of women’s gymnastics, highlighting Black women’s role in it, as well as the problematic environment that dominated U.S. gymnastics for decades. The harsh, disciplinarian coaching methods of Béla and Márta Károlyi, along with others who followed their lead, created a “military” atmosphere focused on success at any cost. However, it appears that progress has been made: Simone Biles’ current coaches, Laurent Landi and Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, prioritize her well-being over medal wins.

Biles’ gymnastics skills are so extraordinary that even those without an interest in the sport find her performances captivating. Her ability to twist, turn, and flip in complex sequences surpasses that of any other female athlete. There is a sense of enchantment in her art, yet it is rooted in human determination and creativity. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Biles brings an unmatched beauty and thrill to her performances, making for an unforgettable aesthetic experience.

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2024-07-18 19:11