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.
What to know about Simone Biles’ parents, siblings and husband Jonathan Owens
“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.
Let’s dive in—handstands, flips, and all. Simone Biles just landed the prestigious title of Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, and that’s huge. You know she’s a gymnastics legend, but this recognition takes things up a notch. Let’s unpack why this matters and why everyone’s talking about it.
What Does “Sportsperson of the Year” Even Mean?
Think of it as SI’s way of saying, “You crushed it—physically, mentally, culturally.” This isn’t just about medals; it’s about impact. Athletes who shift the conversation, redefine boundaries, or inspire millions get this nod.
Simone Biles: More Than Just Gold Medals
The Record-Breaking Gymnast
Simone’s trophy cabinet? Insane. With a mind-blowing collection of world titles and Olympic golds, she’s rewriting gymnastics history. But it’s not just about her flips—it’s how she flips the script on what an athlete can be.
Mental Health Advocate Extraordinaire
Remember Tokyo 2020? She stepped back to protect her mental health, sparking a global conversation. She taught us that strength isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too.
Role Model with Realness
Simone keeps it authentic—flaws, joys, struggles, and all. She shows up as herself, and that’s powerful. When she stumbles, she stands back up. That resonates.
Why 2024 Was a Standout Year for Her
The Comeback Tour
After the pandemic chaos, Simone returned to competition and wowed the world yet again. New routines, tougher moves, unapologetic confidence. She reminded us why we watch.
Breaking Barriers in Representation
One of the few Black women at the pinnacle of gymnastics, she opened the door wider. Young athletes everywhere see her and think, “Yeah, that could be me.”
Influence Beyond the Gym
She’s everywhere—from magazine covers to social causes to apps. Her voice carries, and she uses it—whether it’s talk, merchandise, or mentorship.
How SI Chooses Their Winner
Impact Over Scoreboards
It’s not just about who’s the fastest or the strongest. SI looks for influence: on sport, society, culture.
The Criteria
Achievement (check: a legend’s legacy), Reach (check: global audience), Influence (check: mental-health awareness, diversity). Simone fits the trifecta like a glove.
Eye on the Narrative
They pick stories that feel meaningful—especially ones that spark conversations and shift perspectives. Simone’s story? Exactly that.
Why This Matters—To Simone, to Gymnastics, to All of Us
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For Simone: It’s validation with weight. Not just “best gymnast,” but “best athlete” in the world, period.
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For Gymnastics: It puts the sport in the spotlight with positive energy and real narratives—mental health, resilience, inclusion.
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For Fans: Encouragement to value more than medals—to value honesty, strength, authenticity.
Simone’s Legacy in One Word: Evolution
From Competitive Beast to Cultural Icon
She’s not just jumping bars anymore—she’s vaulting into our collective understanding of what athletes can be.
Redefining “When You Win”
Medals are great. But standing up for yourself? Leading tough conversations? That’s winning in human moments.
What’s Next?
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More visibility: We can expect even bigger platforms—podcasts, shows, maybe something unexpected.
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Youth inspiration: Her story will likely inspire programs, schools, and communities to focus on strength in mind and movement.
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Beyond the Screen: Maybe a foundation, a movement, a change in how athletic success is measured.
Quick Takeaways
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Recognition for more than athleticism.
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Championing change.
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Blending excellence with empathy.
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A powerful voice for a kinder, stronger future.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Simone Biles being named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year isn’t just a headline—it’s a statement. It says the world values fierce flips and fierce authenticity. She’s not only defied gravity—she’s elevated the game on her own terms. That’s why this honor isn’t just deserved; it’s downright poetic.
