One of the most decorated American gymnasts, Simone Biles, has achieved another milestone! The 11-time Olympic medalist was recently honored by Sports Illustrated as their 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. During her recent appearance on Good Morning America, Biles shared her gratitude for the award and her surprise to be included in the list of people who have previously achieved the same accomplishment.
“Honestly, it is such a huge honor. I know some of the greats that have won it in prior years, so to just keep gymnastics on the map is really exciting. I know a lot of people love the sport of gymnastics during an Olympic year and have followed my career closely, but I was still very shocked,” Biles said. “I feel like I’m always shocked winning any sort of award or being honored.”
She continued, “I don’t think the reality has set in of what I’ve exactly done in the sport. I can see it, and I hear it from people, and I see a glimpse of it, but the full magnitude I don’t think I’ve realized just yet.”
Additionally, Sports Illustrated also commented on Biles’ accolades and praised her for her consistent drive and advocacy to address important issues.
“Simone Biles is Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year because she won gold, and then another gold, and then another; because she changed the face of her sport and the conversations around athletes in general,” the publication wrote. “And perhaps most of all because after she wondered aloud to [teammate Jordan] Chiles whether she was about to relive the darkest period of her career, she took a deep breath, she saluted the judges, and she broke into a run.”
Biles being selected as Sportsperson of the Year comes as no surprise as she put on a memorable performance during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Adding to her already impressive awards, Biles secured four new medals during the games, including gold in team, all-around, vault, and floor exercise. Following her latest achievements, Biles is now tied for the second-most decorated female gymnast in Olympic history, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Nonetheless, Biles is set to formally receive her award on Tuesday, January 7th at the annual Sports Illustrated awards ceremony in Las Vegas. Even though Biles has always kept her fans guessing on her next move, she revealed that her chances of returning to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are slim to none and acknowledged the struggles that will come with her competing again.
“Because I’ve accomplished so much, there’s almost nothing left to do, rather than to just be snobby and to try again and for what? I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done,” she added. “What sacrifices would be made if I go back now? When you’re younger, it’s like, prom, college. Now it’s like, starting a family, being away from my husband. What’s really worth it?”
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