Simone Biles Named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. This accolade comes after her extraordinary performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she dominated the competition and added to her already legendary status.

A Stellar Olympic Run and Leader Beyond the Sport

At the Paris Games, Biles claimed three gold medals in vault, team, and all-around events. These victories brought her total Olympic medal count to 11, including seven golds. At 27 years old, she shattered age barriers in a sport that once deemed gymnasts past their prime by their early 20s.

Biles has transcended gymnastics. Her leadership extends far beyond the mat, as she has become a fierce advocate for athlete mental health and a prominent voice against systemic abuse in sports. Her courage in exposing the failures of USA Gymnastics to protect its athletes reshaped the sport and set a new standard for accountability.

Critics and the Caitlin Clark Debate

Simone Biles’ selection as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year sparked debate, with some claiming basketball star Caitlin Clark deserved the title. Jason Whitlock, a media personality known for inflammatory takes, repeatedly targeted Biles with dismissive remarks. He accused her of “pretending to be important” and criticized her decision to prioritize mental health during the Tokyo Olympics in 2022, ignoring the global conversation she inspired about athlete well-being.

This is a joke. She was relevant for 2 weeks this summer. Caitlin Clark and Shohei Ohtani were relevant for months. https://t.co/8IaoFdpx0V

— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) January 2, 2025

Whitlock’s tweets, showcase how public figures use divisive narratives for attention. His efforts to pit Biles against Clark attempt to diminish her unparalleled achievements. While Clark had a stellar basketball season, Biles’ global impact, resilience, and unparalleled success make her a clear standout. Facts speak louder—Biles remains a household name with a record-breaking gymnastics career, while Whitlock’s attacks only fuel criticism of his opportunistic tactics.

By exploiting these narratives, Whitlock amplifies harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the undervaluation of Black women in sports. Despite this noise, Biles’ legacy as a trailblazer remains untouchable. She continues to inspire, proving her strength and dominance on and off the mat.

Pushing Through Misogynoir and Bias

Simone Biles and Serena Williams (who has also won Sportsperson of the Year) have both faced racism and bias throughout their groundbreaking careers. As women of color dominating traditionally white sports, they broke barriers while experiancing unjust scrutiny. An analysis from Anesis Therapy highlights the disproportionate pressures placed on Biles, ranging from critiques of her body to accusations of arrogance when asserting her worth. Similarly, Serena Williams faced relentless criticism, often for her physicality and confidence, which critics weaponized to downplay her dominance in tennis.

Both women have had to handle these challenges while excelling at the highest levels. Biles redefined gymnastics with skills so advanced they were undervalued by judges, a decision some attribute to systemic bias. Williams, meanwhile, consistently overcame biased officiating and media narratives that sought to undermine her achievements.

Their accomplishment goes beyond their sports. They have used their platforms to advocate for mental health, equity, and empowerment. By standing tall in the face of racism and bias, Biles and Williams continue to inspire new generations of athletes to challenge oppressive norms and demand respect

The Legacy of Simone Biles goes beyond

As Biles reflects on her future, she has hinted at a possible retirement before the 2028 Olympics. “I’m at a point in my career where I’m humble enough to know when to be done,” she said. This statement has led to widespread speculation, with fans and commentators debating whether gymnastics can ever see another athlete like her.

Simone Biles has not only rewritten the record books but also redefined what it means to succeed in gymnastics. She has opened doors for older athletes, challenged toxic practices in the sport, and inspired a generation to aim higher. Her recognition as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year is a tribute to her resilience, leadership, and ability to rise above the noise. As we honor Simone Biles, we’re reminded that greatness is about more than medals. It’s about the impact you leave behind, and Biles’ legacy will continue to shine for years to come.