Netflix’s Simone Biles Documentary Director Shares Excitement of Close-Up Experience

Katie Walsh had a unique opportunity to shadow Simone Biles during the Paris Olympics, an experience of a lifetime. Biles, the 27-year-old gymnast, returned to the global stage after missing several Olympic events in 2021 due to experiencing the "twisties," ultimately securing a bronze medal in Tokyo.

The pressure was palpable in Paris as Biles aimed for redemption. Walsh, the director of "Simone Biles: Rising" on Netflix, described Biles as "calm, cool, and collected" despite the weight of expectations. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Walsh acknowledged the immense pressure Biles faced as the face of the Olympics, with everyone eager to witness her performance.

In Paris, Biles showcased her resilience and talent, clinching three gold medals and a silver. While she had previously secured four golds in Rio in 2016, she narrowly missed medaling in a fifth event in Paris. Walsh viewed Biles’ performance as a triumph, emphasizing Biles’ focus on team and all-around achievements rather than solely on individual accolades.

Having known Biles for around five years, Walsh had a front-row seat to Biles’ journey, both in competition and practice. Witnessing Biles in her element left Walsh in awe, describing the experience as "awesome" and highlighting Biles’ intense focus and preparation before competitions.

Despite Biles’ exceptional athletic prowess, Walsh emphasized the importance of portraying Biles as a relatable and human figure. She aimed to showcase Biles’ vulnerabilities and struggles, making her achievements even more remarkable under immense pressure and scrutiny.

The documentary series "Simone Biles: Rising" offers viewers a glimpse into Biles’ life and challenges, providing a deeper understanding of the person behind the extraordinary athlete. By humanizing Biles, Walsh hopes to foster a greater appreciation for Biles’ accomplishments and the hurdles she overcomes both on and off the gymnastics floor.

The first part of the series debuted in July, with the second part set for release soon. Through Walsh’s lens, audiences can gain insight into the multifaceted persona of Simone Biles, transcending her athletic achievements to appreciate the individual behind the medals.

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