American gymnast Simone Biles has added another title to her resume. The 11-time Olympic medalist was named Thursday by Sports Illustrated as its 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. “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,” Biles, 27, told “Good Morning America” of the Sports Illustrated accolade. “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.” She continued, “I feel like I’m always shocked winning any sort of award or being honored.”

The Sportsperson of the Year award comes after a year in which Biles took the 2024 Paris Olympics by storm, adding four new medals to her collection in team, all-around, vault and floor exercise. After her performance in Paris, Biles, 27, is now tied for the second-most decorated female gymnast in Olympic history, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Biles won three gold medals and a silver medal in Paris just a few years after withdrawing from the team final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she suffered from “the twisties,” a disorienting condition when a gymnast’s mind and body feel dangerously out of sync.

“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; because she continues to speak out about issues that matter to her,” the magazine wrote of Biles. “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 will receive the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year award in person on Jan. 7, when Sports Illustrated holds its annual awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

A Triumph That Transcends the Sport

Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast—she’s a movement. And in 2024, Sports Illustrated honored her unmatched influence, resilience, and dominance by naming her Sportsperson of the Year. From breathtaking routines to mental health advocacy, Simone is redefining what it means to be a champion.

So, what makes her journey so iconic this year? Let’s break it down.

The Comeback We All Needed

Biles’ Return After Tokyo Was Anything But Easy

After stepping back during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the world watched and waited. Would Simone Biles return to gymnastics? Could she?

In 2024, she gave us a resounding “YES.” And not just a return—but a dominant, record-breaking comeback.

Her Triumph at the World Championships

At the 2024 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Biles swept gold in multiple events, including the all-around, beam, and floor. It wasn’t just about medals—it was about resilience. She didn’t come back to prove anything to anyone…except maybe herself.

What Makes Her the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year

A Legacy Built on More Than Gold

Sure, Biles has more medals than most athletes could dream of. But Sports Illustrated recognized her for more than athletic achievement. She represents courage, vulnerability, and transformation.

Advocacy for Mental Health in Sports

Simone turned one of the most taboo topics in elite athletics—mental health—into a powerful conversation. And she didn’t just talk the talk. She walked it, even when it meant stepping away from competition at the height of her career.

Breaking Barriers, Flipping Expectations

A Woman of Color Leading the Way

In a sport often criticized for its lack of diversity, Biles represents hope and change for countless young athletes of color. Her presence alone challenges outdated norms—and she does it while flipping (literally) through the air like gravity doesn’t apply.

Changing the Narrative Around Strength

Forget the outdated idea that strength means pushing through everything. Biles showed that true power is knowing your limits, speaking up, and protecting your peace.

Sports Illustrated’s Big Decision

Why Simone, and Why Now?

Each year, Sports Illustrated names one athlete whose impact transcends the field. For 2024, Simone wasn’t just the obvious choice—she was the only choice.

Their editorial board praised her for redefining excellence, setting a new standard for what athletic greatness looks like in the modern age.

Iconic Moments That Led to the Honor

The Historic Yurchenko Double Pike

One of the most jaw-dropping moments of the year? When Biles nailed the Yurchenko double pike—a vault so difficult, it’s rarely attempted by men, let alone women. And she made it look effortless.

The Internet-Breaking Floor Routine

That viral routine? The one that left TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter in a frenzy? Yep, that was Simone. Her floor performance from the 2024 U.S. Championships was equal parts athletic and artistic genius.

Off the Mat, Still a Role Model

Philanthropy and Public Advocacy

Simone’s influence doesn’t stop at the edge of the mat. She’s involved in numerous initiatives supporting young athletes, underprivileged communities, and survivors of abuse.

Leading the Next Generation

She’s also mentoring younger gymnasts, proving that true leadership is about lifting others up. The future of gymnastics is brighter because of her presence.

Social Media Reacts to the Honor

Fans Celebrate the Queen of Gymnastics

When Sports Illustrated made the announcement, social media erupted with praise. #SportspersonOfTheYear trended within minutes. Celebrities, fellow athletes, and fans from around the world chimed in to honor Biles.

Critics? She Silences Them with Style

Overcoming Doubt, Again and Again

Every time critics doubted her—she soared higher. Simone doesn’t need validation, but she’s earned every ounce of it. Her 2024 season put to rest any question of her greatness.

The Business Side of Biles

Expanding Her Brand

Beyond gymnastics, Simone is building an empire. With endorsements, brand partnerships (like Athleta and SK-II), and even her own production company, she’s proving she’s just as savvy in business as she is on the beam.

An Icon for the Ages

Will We See Her at the 2028 Olympics?

That’s the golden question. While she hasn’t confirmed, fans (and sponsors) are hoping for another Olympic run. But whether or not she competes again, her legacy is already legendary.

More Than Just a Title

Being named 2024 Sportsperson of the Year isn’t just about what Simone did—it’s about who she is. Her journey reflects perseverance, authenticity, and excellence.

She’s not just a champion. She’s a blueprint for greatness.

Conclusion: Simone Biles—The Hero We Didn’t Know We Needed

Simone Biles is more than an athlete. She’s a symbol of power redefined—proof that true strength is a blend of physical dominance and emotional honesty. Her story isn’t just inspiring—it’s essential. And in 2024, the world finally gave her the flowers she’s long deserved.