Back in 2021, when Simone Biles walked out of the Ariake Gymnastics Center, there were clamors calling her ‘quitter.’ The 7x Olympic medalist withdrew from the four-event finals in the wake of ‘twisties,’ after a failed Amanar vault routine. While the spectators were scrutinizing closely, Biles called her mom and said, “Mom, come pick me up. I’m scared.” That’s it. From that moment on, Biles decided to focus on her mental well-being. However, three years down the line, as the gymnast is girded up for her 3rd Olympic run, she looked back in introspection and shared how the absence of one important factor may have led to her withdrawal.

On 15th July, just two days before the release of ‘Simone Biles Rising,’ Netflix released a special view clip on YouTube. In the sneak peek clip, Simone Biles’ mom, Nellie Biles, can be seen braiding the gymnast’s hair, all while talking about the emotional significance of doing so. “It’s the touch. That’s what doing her hair means,” her mother says while explaining that how before every competition she braids Simone’s hair. However, during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the gymnast and her mother didn’t follow the ritual of braiding the hair.

“Tokyo was the one time I did not braid Simone’s hair,” conceded Nellie Biles in the heartwarming mini clip from the upcoming Netflix documentary. Interestingly, the purpose of braiding Simone’s hair goes beyond looks. Braids represent “bonding” and are more than just a style, stated Simone’s mom when she pulled off the curtains behind why she braids the 6x World All-Around Champion’s hair.

In the beginning of the trailer, Simone Biles is seen sitting on a couch in a laid-back background scene wearing a long-sleeve outfit and ripped pants. It features Simone’s words, which convey her suffering. “I’ve always had really good intuition about things and unfortunately I felt that way about the Olympics,” Simone Biles explains. One possible explanation for Simone’s choice to back down could have been the tremendous stress she was under as a consequence of not having their regular bonding ritual. She says, “I wanted to quit like 500,000 times, and I would have if it weren’t for my people.” The weight she carried during the challenging period of the Tokyo Olympics is noticeable from this view. However, the gymnast never gave up!

Simone Biles’ mother’s thoughts ahead Paris Olympics

Nellie Biles stresses the value of familial backing as Simone Biles gets ready for the Olympics in Paris. In a conversation with TODAY, Nellie stated, “The important thing is to be there for Simone and making sure that she understands that her family is there giving her full support.” Nellie has consistently been Simone’s rock, showing up to nearly each of her events providing comfort. For everyone, seeing Simone perform is a nail-biting experience. “All I’m thinking about and praying for is that she stays safe and that she ends that routine,” Nellie said. Following the limitations of COVID-19, she was unable to attend the Olympics in Tokyo in person, which increased her concern.

Further, the situation in Tokyo was very difficult. “It was devastating,” Nellie remembered. “After her vaulting, she called me and then mentioned that she couldn’t do it anymore. My words to Simone were, ‘Don’t do it. Don’t feel like you need to push yourself because that’s the last thing I need is to see you injure yourself on television and I’m not going to be there.'” Given how important family help is to her daughter’s success, Simone Biles’ mother has made plans for her daughter during her time in Paris. “I am going to be really happy and probably shedding a few tears just because I’m going to be so emotional,” Nellie noted.

Simone has made a fantastic comeback to gymnastics. She keeps shattering records and transforming the game. The lessons she learned in Tokyo are still relevant as she gets ready for another Olympic trip. Simone mentioned in her trailer, “You have to take that power back sometimes.” She will surely need her mother’s presence and their shared traditions to succeed in her quest for additional Olympic gold. Thus, Biles will surely need her mother’s involvement and their shared habits to succeed in her search for additional Olympic gold in Paris. Do you think she can earn the gold medal? Tell us in the comment below!