After a harrowing experience at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, Simone Biles decided to seize the crown back on the mat. And the G.O.A.T. did just that by snagging 4 Olympic medals—3 gold and 1 silver. Leading up to the Games in Paris, we witnessed the 27-year-old’s experience during her time in the Japanese capital. But with Simone Biles Rising Part 2, fans will relive the magic of her spectacular Redemption Tour in Bercy Arena.
Katie Walsh helped bring her journey onto our screens. She had the opportunity to follow the gymnast around as she made it through the U.S. Olympic Trials and the Games. However, one poignant moment in the French capital stood out for the director. On October 23, Walsh appeared in a casual sit-down interview with Sports Business Journal’s Rachel Axon. They initially discussed her experience working with the most decorated gymnast in history. But the conversation eventually pivoted to the Olympian’s injury scare.
Axon elaborated on how Simone Biles pushed through the situation to step onto the Olympic podium. “I mean, she is so tough and determined, and nothing was going to get in the way for her,” Walsh confessed. What really happened? During a warm-up routine on Day 2, the 27-year-old slipped and occasionally tweaked her calf. But right before her rotation, she left the floor with the team doctor. Upon her return, she still seemed to struggle with her calves. At some point, she crawled down the runway for a bit before hopping the rest of the way.
The issue persisted during the women’s gymnastics qualification the next day after she suffered a lower leg injury. She was later spotted soothing her leg while the rest of her compatriots contested on the mat. Katie Walsh recalled watching that moment, “Yeah. I think once you see, you know, what she was going through in those days, you just appreciate so much more.” This could have been a massive setback for Team USA, but the Olympian refused to let it hold her back.