Simone Biles, an icon in gymnastics and a vocal advocate for mental health in sports, has once again become the center of public attention following the release of a new Netflix documentary about her life and career. Titled Simone Biles: More Than a Gymnast, the documentary sheds light on Biles’ journey, from her rise as one of the world’s most decorated athletes to the intense public and media scrutiny she faced, especially after withdrawing from several events during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to prioritize her mental health. This honest portrayal has reignited conversations about the pressures faced by elite athletes, drawing both admiration and criticism on social media platforms.

One tweet, simply stating, “People are ugly,” seemed to encapsulate the frustration felt by Biles’ supporters as they revisited some of the negativity and harsh criticism she endured. The tweet quickly went viral, resonating with fans who feel Biles has been unfairly judged and subjected to intense scrutiny for decisions that were ultimately aimed at preserving her well-being. Biles herself acknowledged this message, engaging with her fans and spurring a wave of support that flooded Twitter.

The Netflix Documentary: A Candid Look at Biles’ Struggles

The documentary delves deeply into Biles’ life, from her early days in gymnastics to her monumental achievements, and most poignantly, to the challenges she faced during the Tokyo Olympics when she decided to withdraw from several events. At that time, Biles’ decision drew a mixed response: while many praised her for prioritizing her mental health, others accused her of abandoning her team or being “weak.” The backlash was severe, but Biles stood by her decision, emphasizing the importance of mental health and personal well-being in sports.

 

Through raw interviews and never-before-seen footage, Simone Biles: More Than a Gymnast portrays the intense training, personal sacrifices, and emotional toll Biles endured. She opens up about her battles with “the twisties” — a dangerous mental block that disrupts a gymnast’s spatial awareness — and shares the toll that constant media scrutiny has taken on her mental health. The film paints a portrait of a woman who, while immensely talented, is human, vulnerable, and resilient.

Fans’ Heated Reactions on Twitter

As fans watched the documentary and revisited these difficult moments, many took to Twitter to voice their frustrations, condemning the negative and hurtful comments that Biles faced during her career. The tweet “People are ugly” struck a nerve, and it wasn’t long before Twitter was flooded with messages of support for Biles, echoing sentiments of empathy and anger at the criticism she endured. This phrase, both blunt and raw, served as a rallying cry for fans who believe Biles has been subjected to unfair judgment, especially in moments when she prioritized her health over performance.

Biles acknowledged the support, responding to her fans on social media and expressing gratitude for their empathy and understanding. Her engagement with fans fueled the momentum, with thousands of users sharing personal stories of facing similar criticism or discussing the broader issues of mental health and pressure in the sports world.

A Broader Conversation About Mental Health in Sports

Biles has long been an advocate for mental health awareness, a stance she took publicly following her withdrawal in Tokyo, when she helped shift the dialogue around athlete wellness. Her actions resonated beyond the world of gymnastics, earning her praise from mental health advocates and fellow athletes who admired her for taking a stand in a high-stakes, high-visibility situation.

The Netflix documentary reiterates Biles’ commitment to challenging the status quo. While many fans praised her courage, others on social media criticized her decision to withdraw, arguing that athletes should be resilient no matter the circumstance. However, in the wake of the documentary, a renewed understanding of the relentless pressure faced by athletes has surfaced. Fans and supporters argue that athletes, like everyone else, deserve to be supported, respected, and understood as individuals who can experience mental and emotional challenges.

Twitter Users Condemn Online Criticism of Athletes

The tweet that went viral — “People are ugly” — encapsulates the anger and frustration of Biles’ fans toward those who scrutinize and judge athletes from behind screens, often without understanding the full picture. Supporters used the hashtag #StandWithSimone, amplifying the conversation and reminding the public that athletes are more than just competitors; they are people with vulnerabilities and struggles that deserve empathy. Many Twitter users criticized the harsh and often relentless criticism Biles faced, and called for more respectful and compassionate treatment of athletes online.

This discourse goes beyond Simone Biles, touching on the broader issue of how athletes, particularly women and people of color, are treated in the public eye. Supporters argue that such criticisms stem not only from unrealistic expectations but also from deeper biases that need to be addressed in sports culture.

Simone Biles Responds

Simone Biles’ response to the support she received has been positive, with the gymnast thanking her fans for their continued encouragement and standing by her decision to prioritize her mental health. Her interactions on Twitter have reignited the discussion around the challenges of being an athlete in a digital age, where the scrutiny is relentless and opinions are often polarized.

In her posts, Biles reiterated the importance of self-care, mental health, and boundaries, underscoring that athletes are not immune to the pressures of fame and criticism. Her words resonated with many, particularly younger athletes who look up to her as a role model for standing up for her well-being in a highly competitive environment.

The Impact of the Documentary and Biles’ Legacy

Simone Biles: More Than a Gymnast has had a profound impact on fans and critics alike, sparking fresh debates about the intersection of mental health, fame, and performance in sports. The documentary not only highlights Biles’ remarkable career but also her journey of self-advocacy, making her a powerful figure in the ongoing conversation about mental health in sports. The widespread support for Biles, amplified by social media, underscores her influence as a trailblazer and a beacon of resilience.

Simone Biles continues to inspire countless fans and athletes around the world, using her platform to break down stigmas and advocate for change. The overwhelming response to the Netflix documentary reveals that, while some may still be critical, many more stand firmly behind her, ready to champion her legacy as more than just a gymnast — but as an advocate for a more compassionate and understanding world in sports and beyond.