In the ever-evolving world of sports, where dedication is as crucial as talent, two women stand as pillars of strength and resilience: Simone Biles and Gwendolyn Leick. Though different in many ways, each of their stories shares a profound commonality—an unyielding spirit.
These compelling narratives dive deep into the gripping documentary ‘Simone Biles: Rising,’ which chronicles the extraordinary life of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, and the equally captivating journey of weightlifting champion Gwendolyn Leick, masterfully portrayed in Ruth Kaaserer’s film, ‘Gwendolyn’.
These two powerful women exemplify what it means to rise, not just in their respective sports but against the odds stacked against them.
The documentary, ‘Simone Biles: Rising,’ available to watch online on platforms like Netflix, takes us far beyond the astonishing flips and twists that Biles performs on the mat. Yes, it’s a spectacle, a showcase of raw athletic talent that leaves jaws on the floor. But what makes this docuseries stand out is the layers it peels back to reveal the person behind the medals.
Much like a captivating film, this docuseries introduces us to the Simone Biles we didn’t see on the Olympic podium—a woman who had to navigate the tumultuous waters of mental health struggles, media scrutiny, and the weight of being a symbol for an entire sport. When she withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the "twisties," it wasn't just a sporting decision; it was a defining moment in the world of gymnastics. Her body, finely tuned like an instrument, was momentarily out of sync. It was a sobering reminder that even the most elite athletes are human, susceptible to the pressures we all face, magnified under the global spotlight.
In intimate interviews, we hear Biles speak candidly about how the sport has demanded more than just her physical prowess. Her resilience is as much about mental endurance as it is about her athletic ability. One moment in the docuseries encapsulates this dual struggle: Biles, in front of the camera, reads a barrage of tweets criticizing her for “quitting” during the Olympics. It's raw and painful, but also indicative of the societal pressures athletes endure beyond their sport.
‘Simone Biles: Rising’ is not just a docuseries about one woman’s triumphs and trials. It’s a larger commentary on the pressures we place on athletes and the human toll of those expectations. The beauty of this series is that it does more than document Biles’ accomplishments—it humanizes her, making her story relatable even for those of us who never stepped foot in a gymnasium.
While Simone Biles’ story is entrenched in modern athletics, Ruth Kaaserer’s documentary ‘Gwendolyn’ offers a glimpse into a very different world—yet, at its core, it resonates with the same themes of resilience, perseverance, and personal evolution. Gwendolyn Leick’s journey is not just one of lifting weights, but of lifting herself out of hardship and adversity.
Imagine being in your sixties, having survived cancer, and still finding the strength not just to live but to compete. That’s Gwendolyn Leick—a former anthropologist who turned to weightlifting at the age of 52. Now, as a retired academic and part-time writer, she’s no stranger to life’s heavier burdens, both literal and figurative. Kaaserer’s documentary takes us through Gwendolyn’s preparation for the European and World Championships, but it does so with a sensitivity that elevates it above a typical sports documentary.
Gwendolyn’s story is far more than just an insightful documentary about an athlete overcoming illness; it is an intimate look at the daily struggles of a woman determined to reclaim her life. As viewers, we are taken along for the ride as Gwendolyn tests her limits—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Every scene in this film, which you can watch on sites like Guidedoc, underscores her quiet determination, whether she’s lifting weights or simply enjoying a peaceful moment on her balcony.
What makes the documentary ‘Gwendolyn’ so compelling is not just the subject matter but the way it’s framed. Filmed in serene settings in Great Britain, Germany, and beyond, the camera captures Gwendolyn in her most vulnerable moments, without being intrusive. The shots linger on her face during training, capturing every wince and smile, and often follow her in moments of quiet contemplation—scenes that reflect not just her physical challenges but her internal ones as well.
Director Ruth Kaaserer does something remarkable by giving the viewer a sense of calm amid the tension of competition. By spending so much time with Gwendolyn at home, we see her as a complete person, not just an athlete. It’s a refreshing take, especially compared to more sensationalized sports documentaries that focus solely on victories and defeats. Kaaserer’s style, supported by Serafin Spitzer’s cinematography, emphasizes that life, like sport, is a balance between moments of intensity and moments of calm.
The doc manages to bring these aspects together, not in a didactic way but as part of the natural flow of the narrative. The metaphor of weightlifting as life’s heavy burdens is almost too on the nose, yet it works because of Gwendolyn’s authenticity. She’s not just a woman lifting weights; she’s a woman lifting herself out of a dark period, fighting to maintain her strength as both her body and circumstances change. It’s a testament to the documentary’s power that viewers are left not only with admiration for Gwendolyn’s physical strength but also with a deep respect for her emotional resilience.
Both ‘Simone Biles: Rising’ and ‘Gwendolyn’ present two very different women, each with her unique challenges. Biles' story is about overcoming public pressures and the expectations of an entire sport, while Gwendolyn’s journey is a quieter, more personal battle against illness and aging. And yet, both films share a common thread: they are stories of women who have found ways to adapt and grow in environments that often push them to their breaking points.
If you’re looking to watch a documentary that challenges the notion of what strength means, these two films are essential viewing. ‘Simone Biles: Rising’ will make you rethink the way we treat athletes and the mental health challenges they face. ‘Gwendolyn’ will inspire you with the story of a woman who refuses to be defined by her limitations, proving that strength comes in many forms.
Both documentaries are available to watch online, with ‘Simone Biles: Rising’ streaming on Netflix, while ‘Gwendolyn’ can be found on Guidedoc. Each film reminds us that behind every success story is a human being grappling with struggles unseen by the public eye. They challenge us to consider that perhaps, the greatest victories are not just the ones measured by medals and championships, but the quiet, internal triumphs that happen behind closed doors.
Watch more great documentaries on Guidedoc
2186 films
And a new one every day
The preferred platform
of true documentary lovers
Half of all revenue goes
directly to the filmmakers
