“Just Trying Not To Die”: Scared Simone Biles Breaks Down YDP Horrors In Netflix Rising Series

“Whenever I first came back to gym, I had to start from the basics,” said Olympic champion Simone Biles about her remarkable comeback after the Tokyo Olympics, where she couldn’t even perform a twist on the vaults. In the new Netflix series “Rising,” Biles opens up about her harrowing experiences with the USA Gymnastics Young Athlete Development Program (YDP). She candidly discusses the fears and challenges she faced, shedding light on crucial aspects that go beyond her stellar career.

“Simone Biles: Rising” is one of Netflix’s most anticipated documentaries. Released worldwide just days before the Summer Olympics commence in Paris, it is sure to generate significant hype around the athlete who will lead the USA women’s gymnastics team. Fans across the globe will be eagerly watching for another stunning Yurchenko Double Pike from Biles in Paris. In her docu-series, Biles reveals her journey in gymnastics, stating, “most of the time I’m just trying not to die.” The series captures her struggles with the mental block known as the twisties during the Tokyo Olympics, which led to her withdrawal, and follows her return to the mat after a two-year hiatus.

Biles also discusses her signature move, the Yurchenko double pike, also known as Biles II on vault. She candidly admits, “Just scary. Every time you do it, you are scared.” Despite having performed the vault almost 100 times, she finds it equally terrifying each time. Biles emphasizes that the vault requires not only physical strength but also significant mental fortitude, combining power, good air awareness, and many other components. Even others weighed in saying, “that vault, you know, you have to balance the risk involved versus the playoff.”

Simone emphasized her meticulous approach to vault routines, often gauging their success mid-air. Renowned for her intricate performances, notably the Yurchenko double pike, she faced unexpected constraints in Tokyo, unable to choose to execute her signature moves. Devastated by this loss of freedom, Simone’s repertoire boasts several eponymous feats: the Biles I, a double layout half out, and the Biles II, a triple double on floor. Her vault innovations include the Biles, featuring a Yurchenko half-on with two twists, and a daring double pike. On the balance beam, her trademark double-double dismount showcases her unmatched skill.

The Yurchenko Double Pike has been attempted by American gymnasts Paul Juda and David Sender, which is one of the hardest vault routine options out there. This is what makes the segment about the YDP so interesting to watch in the documentary. Which has been directed by sports filmmaker Katie Walsh. It’s edited in a way that feels like one long interview with Biles, while cutting back to her performances in various events. It’s produced by Religion of Sports in association with the Olympic channel with Gotham Chopra, Ameeth Sankaran, Giselle Parents, Janey Miller, JT Taylor and Yiannis Exarchos as executive producers.

In her own words, “We are all the authors of our own journeys, and I am in a place in my life where I’m comfortable with who I am and what I’ve been through as an athlete, but most of all, as a person. Gymnastics is what I do but it’s not who I am, and I’m excited for people to see another side of me outside of competition.” In the poster beside a stunning picture of Biles are the words “Icon. Champion. Human” and the documentary is focused on showing all three sides of our favorite gymnast. 

Simone Biles looks back at the mental blocks 

During the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Simone Biles stumbled in the individual vault event as she could even “comprehend” doing a twist. This is a type of mental block that is referred to as the Twisties. Biles described it saying, “Literally can not tell up from down. It’s the craziest feeling ever. Not having an inch of control over your body. What’s even scarier is since I have no idea where I am in the air, I also have NO idea how I am going to land. Or what I am going to land on. Head/hands/feet back…”

Later she quit the Olympics because she felt her safety was at risk alongside the team medal. It was a tumultuous time for the gymnast as she received a lot of criticism from fans who were eager to watch her win gold. But USA Gymnastics supported the decision saying, “We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being.” During this Olympic cycle, Simone Biles has been riding a wave of success, securing yet another spot on the Olympic team with hopes of adding to her impressive stack of 7 medals.

Simone Biles is currently in a tie with Shannon Miller for the most decorated gymnast, which will change this year in Paris if her trials results are any indication. She scored an astounding 117.225 over the two days of the trials and her YDP was even given a standing ovation. Biles’ routines were flawless barring a small mistake on the balance beam. She will be joined on her “redemption tour” by Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Suni Lee and Hezly Rivera. Simone Biles is doing her best to address all the unhealed trauma and focus on her mental and physical well-being so she can soar to the top of the Olympics podium.