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.

What could have motivated her to take such a risk? In a recent promo of the documentary, Aly Raisman draws the curtain on that moment. “After the competition, I asked, ‘How did you do it in so much pain?’ And she said, ‘I couldn’t have people tell me I was a quitter again.’” Doesn’t that give you the chills? Katie Walsh couldn’t help but gush over her determination. “You know, it’s amazing what she did, and, you know, realizing what she had to go through, even in those two weeks, makes it just that much more sweeter.” But what was their relationship like throughout this journey?

Katie Walsh reveals what working with Simone Biles was like

The 2024 Paris Olympics were intense, thrilling, and rewarding for Walsh and the G.O.A.T. One of the many iconic moments from the Games was when the gymnast walked out wearing a bejeweled goat necklace. However, watching the 27-year-old rise through the ranks yet again was just as exciting for the Netflix director. But the secret sauce for bringing these moments onto the screen was their unique bond.

“I think that the beauty of our relationship is that she feels comfortable to be who she is in whatever moment,” Walsh confessed. Not only did the director celebrate Simone Biles’ wins, but she also got to be a part of several tense situations. At one point, they were in the gymnast’s hotel room right before a competition. Looking back, Walsh expresses gratitude for witnessing those moments with the 27-year-old. “It’s never a negative thing with her; she’s just sometimes really serious and really intense because she’s about to compete,” she admitted.

However, this isn’t their first time working together. Walsh has been following the Olympian around since 2019, resulting in a Facebook series titled “Simone vs. Herself.” The director wanted to showcase the 27-year-old’s journey and achievements. Walsh looked forward to witnessing a celebratory moment in the Biles family home during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. But instead, she got to be a part of the tender moment between the gymnast and her mother.

Even though she wasn’t aware of the “Twisties,” Walsh was just as heartbroken but believed that her much-anticipated return would be something to look forward to. While working on the “Rising” documentary, she wanted to showcase how Simone Biles could be vulnerable. “There’s this idea of the way the outside world looks in at her, and then there’s the way that she’s experiencing the world around her,” Walsh exclaimed. But through it all, the gymnast has consistently proven why she will always be the G.O.A.T.