Simone Biles Shares Mental Health Journey in Netflix Documentary

Simone Biles, the celebrated Olympian, is the subject of a new Netflix documentary, "Simone Biles Rising: Part 2," which delves into her journey towards a comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The documentary showcases Biles overcoming her fears and mental health struggles, which led her to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her well-being.

During the premiere of the documentary, Biles shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter about the process of revealing her inner battles and the impact it had on her. She expressed how the experience of vulnerability taught her courage and revealed aspects of her personality she hadn’t fully recognized before.

Biles emphasized the importance of her family’s support during stressful times, particularly during her gymnastics performances. She highlighted how their presence in the audience served as a calming influence and a source of strength for her. The absence of this support system at the Tokyo Olympics due to the pandemic made her Paris experience, where she could interact with her family, even more meaningful.

The gymnast also acknowledged the support of her husband, Jonathan Owens, who played a crucial role in providing comfort and reassurance during challenging moments. Biles credited him for being a source of strength and calmness, especially after facing setbacks during competitions.

Director Katie Walsh, who spent five years working closely with Biles on the documentary, noted the athlete’s growth and self-awareness throughout the filming process. She praised Biles for prioritizing her mental health and setting an inspiring example for others to follow.

Despite being known for her advocacy for mental health awareness, Biles admitted that sharing her struggles in the documentary was a daunting task. She expressed the difficulty of revealing personal details and the internal conflict of wanting to maintain privacy while also raising awareness about mental health issues.

Biles emphasized the importance of seeking help and encouraged others facing similar challenges to prioritize their well-being. She reassured fans that taking the first step towards seeking assistance is crucial and that support is available every step of the way.

"Simone Biles Rising: Part 2" is set to premiere on Netflix, offering viewers a deeper insight into the journey of this remarkable athlete as she navigates the complexities of mental health and resilience in pursuit of her athletic goals.