Simone Biles is making her much-anticipated return with Simone Biles Rising Part 2 on Netflix, dropping on October 25, 2024. Fans can look forward to diving deeper into her journey during the Paris Olympics. Directed by Katie Walsh, this new chapter highlights Biles’ incredible comeback and her historic performance at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. But let’s not forget about the challenges that come with directing a documentary during such a high-stakes event!

With live cameras broadcasting the Olympics everywhere, capturing those authentic moments is no small feat. There’s so much happening all at once! Walsh had to strike a delicate balance between drama and authenticity, making sure not to sensationalize Biles’ experiences. Plus, she had to respect Biles’ privacy while highlighting her vulnerabilities and triumphs. It’s a tough juggling act, but it sounds like Walsh really pulled it off by creating a genuine portrayal of Biles’ journey in the midst of all the pressure. But how was she able to do it? Simone Biles, she helped her!

On October 23, SBJ’s Rachel Axon spoke with director Katie Walsh about the documentary series on Simone Biles, highlighting the five-year filming process and access during the Paris Olympics. Rachel asked how Walsh approached difficult topics like the abuse Simone suffered after the Tokyo Olympics. Walsh emphasized the importance of telling the story from Simone’s perspective and contextualizing her experiences without retelling the entire Larry Nassar case. She also discussed scheduling interviews during downtimes in Simone’s competition calendar to minimize stress.

Rachel further inquired about the International Olympic Committee’s involvement as a producer, to which Walsh explained that this collaboration offered unique insights into the Olympic experience and deepened their understanding of the dynamics at play. She emphasized their fortunate partnership with both Netflix and the IOC, which granted them unprecedented access to Simone during the Olympics. Walsh noted, “In all my years covering the Games, I had never experienced such direct access before. We were able to visit the Olympic Village and meet with her at various points throughout our two weeks there.”

Walsh expressed the importance of capturing not just the competition but also the behind-the-scenes moments that often go unnoticed. She pointed out, “It was broadcasting, very readily accessible, but it’s all those moments in between that you don’t always get glimpe into.” This film was designed to focus on those intimate moments and show the reality of life as an Olympian.

When asked about how the access helped differentiate the final product, Walsh explained that it was a significant factor. “Yeah, I mean, that was a big part of it. I think that, and also just having such a good relationship with Simone, because ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s her decision when we’re filming with her and when we’re not.”

She added, “You know, but I think having that trust and that relationship that had been built and understanding the rhythm of her competitive days, practices, and knowing when best to approach and talk to her and when to give her space, I think that’s what allowed us to have access to some moments that we might not otherwise have had access to.,” she said.

Well, it seems Simone was a huge help in getting the documentary team access to those crucial moments in Paris. Without her support, they likely wouldn’t have captured much of the valuable footage that made it into the film. With this, it seems Biles has confidence in Walsh, but why would she have that confidence, as she has previously also worked with her?

How Walsh and Simone Biles have collaborated since 2019

Remember Biles’ 2021 documentary? It marked the beginning of a collaboration between Simone Biles and director Katie Walsh, who has been documenting Biles’ journey since 2019. Starting with the Facebook series Simone vs. Herself, the duo continued with Simone Biles Rising, which released its first installment in July. This episode focused on Simone’s courageous decision to prioritize her mental health during the 2020 Olympics, framing her challenges in Tokyo as a “trauma response,” and there she withdrew from the final event.

In her own words, Biles reflected, “Your body can only function for so long before your fuses blow out.” While she faced criticism for stepping back, she has remained steadfast in her truth, coming back stronger than ever. Now, anticipation is mounting for the second installment, which will delve into her remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics.

At 27, Biles became the oldest American woman to compete in Olympic gymnastics in over 70 years and then won 3 gold medals. We’re all on the edge of our seats, eager to see where her inspiring story leads next!