Missing from gymnastics after her Paris Olympics masterclass, Simone Biles is slowing life down. Fresh off a girls’ trip to the British Virgin Islands and some quiet time at home, she’s now chasing gold of a different kind—the Emmys. Her docuseries has been nominated for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series at the 2025 awards. As she embraces this new chapter, Biles opens up about the haunting memories of Tokyo and the brutal challenges athletes face in silence.

Back in the Tokyo Olympics, in the Team finals, Biles was struck by the dreaded ‘twisties.’ A terrifying mental block that robs the gymnast of air awareness and high-flying skills, and puts them in real danger. After her shaky vault, Biles understood that something was wrong with her routine. As the lead, she decided to withdraw, prioritizing her safety and her team’s chances. Soon after, she stepped back from several individual finals.

Biles had to face tremendous backlash for her decision, as many labeled her selfish for stepping away at the moment when her teammates needed her the most. Despite her withdrawal, she still walked away with a silver medal in the team all-around final and a bronze medal on the balance beam. Now, years after the escapade, Biles has come forward to express her thoughts on the hubbub.

Talking to the media, Biles added, “Behind the scenes, people don’t get that inside view. We wanted to take them through the whole process — the good days and the bad days — and make it feel real and raw. And with Netflix being global, it means everyone has the opportunity to watch.” The Netflix series, Simone Biles Rising, tells the story of her journey after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics, the challenges she faced afterward, and her triumphant return at the Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver.

Ending her statement, she advised the youngsters to be brave and bold when coming into the sport. “Always be brave. Always be kind because you never know what people are going through behind the scenes. It’s okay to take a break, to pause, to recollect your thoughts … to rise again. Everyone’s journey is unique. Go out there and write your own story.” 

With her plans for the 2028 Olympics still uncertain, Simone Biles is choosing to take a break for now. Right now, Biles’ $66 million deal with Netflix for the four-part docuseries might be one of her major focuses. After all, another dream of hers, getting the Emmy, might be checked now.

“Add to the collection,” Simone Biles’ cheeky answer to the media

During her conversation with the media, the host asked Simone Biles whether she would trade one of her Olympic medals for the new Emmy award, to which the Paris Olympic gold medalist stated, “Unfortunately, I would not swap one of my medals, but I would love to add to the collection.”

Biles revealed that having her team nearby during intense moments brought her real comfort. “They’ve become like family,” she said. “The cameras didn’t matter — I felt their support. With my family absent, knowing Katie would be there that day meant a lot.”

The Docuseries was nothing but a massive success for the team, as, along with the Emmy nomination, the project has won a PGA Award for Best Sports Program and two Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards for Best Sports Documentary and Best Limited Documentary Series. Have you watched it yet?