With expectations high that she would once again stun the world and lead the American team to gold, in 2021, extraordinary gymnast Simone Biles sent the media into a tailspin and turned Twitter on its head when she dropped out of the Tokyo Olympics. Many felt she was selfish and had let down the team. And boy, did that bird Tweet!
But in Netflix’s new sport series, ‘Simone Biles Rising’, we are told that she experienced the ‘twisties’ in Tokyo. The twisties is a dangerous phenomenon that gymnasts experience in which they lose their perception of their body while in the air — which can result in serious injury. In Tokyo, we saw Simone awkwardly landing as it unfolded.
“To me it felt silent, almost like death,” she said. “And if I could have run out of that stadium, I would have. But I was like keep it cool, calm, collected, don’t freak anybody out. Let’s go over and be like, ‘We’re done here,’ ” she added.
The American team went on to win the silver medal - not exactly the colour that the fans wanted.
Despite the public furore, Biles went on a two-year break from international competition. And she would return a married woman! Blissful, yet dramatic, as once again, people had a lot to say about her husband, American footballer, Jonathan Owens. In the film, they share that her 4ft 8in frame was frightening when they met. Cute couple!
There are sweet moments in the film with her family, like her mother combing her hair – yes, said hair that social media loves to call ‘messy’.
Did you know that there are 5 gymnastics skills named after the innovative Biles? Moves are named after the first gymnast who completes them in an international competition, according to the International Gymnastics Federation Code of Points. The move must also be above a certain difficulty level.
Amazing!
If you have not yet seen the film, take a watch! It’s only two episodes. Part 2 is in the making and is scheduled to be released in autumn.
Also, did you see her in Paris? That lady was flying!
The Women's Artistic Team All-Around gold medal, delivered on her terms – when she is ready. Because she can!
Will you succumb to pressure or will you rise on your own terms?
I am Suzette Campbell
She's incredible! Lovely article