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.
Simone Biles has once again etched her name into the annals of history. The legendary gymnast has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone more deserving. This isn’t just another award on her shelf—it’s a loud, clear recognition of her incredible resilience, grit, and undeniable talent.
Rising Stronger After Every Fall
Biles’ story isn’t just about flips and gold medals. It’s about facing demons head-on, stepping back when needed, and returning stronger than ever. After pulling out of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to prioritize her mental health, many wondered if she’d ever return to the sport with the same fire.
Spoiler alert: she did—and then some.
Her 2024 Comeback Was Nothing Short of Spectacular
This year, Simone Biles reminded the world what greatness looks like. She returned to competition with an electrifying performance at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, dominating the floor with the confidence of a champion and the joy of someone who truly loves the sport.
Sports Illustrated’s Powerful Tribute
Sports Illustrated didn’t just hand her the award for old times’ sake. They recognized that Biles represents more than just athletic excellence—she embodies courage, vulnerability, and a new era where athletes prioritize well-being without compromising greatness.
Redefining What It Means to Be Strong
Strength isn’t just about muscles and medals anymore. Thanks to Biles, the world now sees mental health as part of an athlete’s strength. She’s paved the way for others to speak up, creating a ripple effect across the sports world and beyond.
Breaking Down Her Achievements in 2024
Gold at the World Championships
Back like she never left, Simone led Team USA to another World Championship gold in 2024. That marked her sixth world team title, solidifying her as the most decorated gymnast in history.
Yurchenko Double Pike – Still Unmatched
Only a handful of humans can even dream about the Yurchenko double pike, and Simone nails it with ease. It’s a move so dangerous it’s rarely attempted—but she makes it look like a walk in the park.
All-Around Dominance
Simone crushed the all-around competition this year with scores that made jaws drop. It was a powerful message: she’s not just back—she’s better.
Why This Award Is More Than Just a Title
Being named Sportsperson of the Year isn’t just about athletic performance. It’s about influence, leadership, and impact. Biles checks every box—and then some.
What Simone Biles Had to Say
In her interview with Sports Illustrated, Biles said:
“I wanted to do this for myself. Not for the medals, not for the fans, not for the critics. Just me.”
Those words hit hard. They remind us that at the heart of every champion is a human being, striving to heal, grow, and find joy.
Social Media Reacts – And It’s Exploding
The announcement set social media on fire. Celebs, athletes, and fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with love, using hashtags like #SimoneBiles and #SportspersonOfTheYear to celebrate her victory.
She’s Inspiring the Next Generation
Simone isn’t just winning medals—she’s changing lives. Little girls and boys around the globe look up to her and realize that:
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It’s okay to fall
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It’s okay to pause
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And it’s always okay to come back stronger
A Trailblazer in Every Sense
Simone’s influence goes far beyond the mat. She’s been an outspoken advocate for:
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Mental health awareness
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Sexual abuse survivors
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Women’s rights in sports
And now, with this award, her voice grows even louder.
Her Legacy: Written in Gold and Grit
Simone Biles has already changed gymnastics forever. But her real legacy? It’s the courage she’s given others to speak their truth, pursue their dreams, and define success on their own terms.
The World Cheers for Simone – And She Deserves Every Bit of It
She’s not just the greatest gymnast of all time—she’s one of the most inspiring athletes the world has ever seen. From mind-blowing routines to mental health advocacy, Simone Biles shows us what a true champion looks like in 2024.
What’s Next for Simone Biles?
Paris 2024, perhaps? While Biles hasn’t made anything official yet, fans are buzzing with hope. Whatever she decides, one thing’s for sure: the world will be watching, and we’ll all be rooting for her.
Final Thoughts
Simone Biles being named 2024 Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement. She’s turned pain into power, setbacks into comebacks, and gymnastics into a global conversation about courage, strength, and authenticity.
So here’s to Simone. Not just for winning—but for changing the game entirely.
