Simone Biles shows us all how work-life balance happens (that is, you make it happen) — Mr. Simone Biles joins the G.O.A.T. tour for the week

Olympic Channel reporter Scott Bregman attended the screening of the premiere of the final episode of the documentary Simone Biles Rising in Los Angeles this week, as well as the Q&A with Biles and documentary director Katie Walsh that followed. 

The big news out of the documentary and Q&A, as the headline on Bregman’s story notes, is that Biles may not be finished with gymnastics just yet. She’s not being coy about it; it seems she genuinely is not certain whether she will try for 2028’s home Olympics in Los Angeles or not. “I am getting really old,” the 27-year-old cautioned. But, she added, “I don’t have an answer for you” about whether this is the end. 

In an interview with ScreenRant this week, Walsh said that she was not sure until the beginning of elite season this year whether she was going to be making this part of the documentary. The first part followed Biles between the Tokyo Games and her decision to try for Paris; we also got to see Biles meet and marry her husband, Jonathan Owens, and begin building their home together in Houston, her hometown (Owens plays for the Chicago Bears. The second part will chronicle Biles’ experience in Paris. Walsh said she made the decision to proceed within 72 hours of Biles’ return to elite competition during the summer of 2023. 

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I loved the first part of the documentary because it focused on Biles building her life outside of gymnastics at the same time she was considering returning to the sport after withdrawing from most events in Tokyo with the twisties and wondering (along with all of us) if she’d ever be able to compete again. Biles has a very full life. Elite sports don’t always allow for that, and she is making it happen for herself — putting aside all her athletic accomplishments, that’s impressive. One can argue that you need Biles’ power in the sport, and the power it gives her to say no, I’m not going to be in the gym all day, every day and I’m going to spend time with my family and drink tequila and go on vacation, to have a life outside the sport. But I think the fact that she’s opening the fourth wall and letting everyone see how it’s done, that it isn’t impossible and in fact has made her both a happier Simone and a better (yes, better!) gymnast, will lead to her path becoming the norm versus the rarely-taken fork in the road. 

Biles also spoke about discussing her mental-health journey in the documentary, and encouraged fans to seek help* if they, too, are struggling. 

Simone Biles Rising is now available on Netflix in full; Part 2 premiered last night. I’m going to watch, then watch the whole thing again, and write my review for next week. I can’t wait! 

*Call the NAMI helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org if you need to talk. This free, nationwide service offers information, resources, and support. 

Call 988 24/7 or chat at 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or is in crisis. In an emergency, call 911. 

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Other gym news

College Gym News gives us their freshman class rankings. 

You can follow the results of the FIG elections here.

Elevien will host an online gymnastics league with some major prize pools. 

Wheaties box who? Jordan Chiles got a custom Lucky Charms box from General Mills, her mom Gina posted on X. 

Adorable and wholesome social media post of the week

Speaking of Simone Biles…her husband joined her on tour this week and it’s just the best.