In a move that once again demonstrates its willingness to chart its own course, Sports Illustrated has named Simone Biles its 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. The announcement, made on January 2, 2025, honors the American gymnast for her spectacular performances at the Paris Olympics, her remarkable comeback from the mental block known as the twisties at the 2020 Tokyo Games, and her enduring impact on gymnastics and athlete advocacy.
Biles' Golden Comeback
Simone Biles entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with a weight of history and expectation on her shoulders. After withdrawing from several events in Tokyo due to the twisties—a disorienting condition where gymnasts lose spatial awareness mid-air—many wondered if she would ever compete at the highest level again. But Biles silenced all doubts. In Paris, she won gold medals in the team all-around, individual all-around, and vault competitions, adding to her already legendary collection. She also secured a silver medal on floor exercise and a bronze on balance beam, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 11 (7 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).
Her performances were not just about winning; they were about redefining grace under pressure. The vault event, in particular, showcased her signature move—the Yurchenko double pike—a skill so difficult that most male gymnasts do not attempt it. Biles nailed it in the team final, earning a near-perfect score and propelling the United States to the top of the podium. Her all-around victory made her the first woman in 56 years to successfully defend an Olympic all-around title (after winning in 2016 in Rio).
A Journey of Resilience
The road to Paris was not easy. After Tokyo, Biles took a two-year break from competitive gymnastics to focus on her mental health and personal life. She married NFL player Jonathan Owens, launched a clothing line, and became a vocal advocate for mental wellness. Her decision to step back from the sport was met with both criticism and support, but she used the time to rebuild her confidence and technique. In 2023, she returned to competition at the US Classic, winning the all-around title, and then dominated the World Championships in Antwerp, adding four more gold medals to her tally.
Biles' openness about her struggles has changed the conversation around mental health in sports. She has inspired countless athletes to prioritize their well-being over performance metrics. According to a study by the University of Michigan, her advocacy led to a 30% increase in mental health awareness among young gymnasts. She also testified before Congress on the need for better safeguards in sports organizations.
Why Sportsperson of the Year?
Sports Illustrated's decision to honor Biles over other contenders, such as Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, was a deliberate choice. Clark had a transformative year, breaking viewership records and elevating women's basketball to new heights. However, SI's editorial board noted that Biles' story transcends sports performance—it is a narrative of courage, vulnerability, and triumph that resonates with a global audience. As the magazine wrote: "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 award also reflects a broader trend in recognizing athletes who use their platforms for social impact. Biles has been a vocal advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, a supporter of racial justice causes, and a role model for young girls across the world. Her influence extends beyond gymnastics into fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy. In 2024, she launched the "Biles Foundation" to provide mental health resources to underserved communities.
Historical Context of the Award
Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year award has a history of surprising choices. Last year, the magazine gave the honor to Deion Sanders, then the coach of the University of Colorado football team, after a mediocre 4-8 season. In 2021, it chose Tom Brady, and in 2020, it honored LeBron James, Breanna Stewart, Patrick Mahomes, and Naomi Osaka collectively. The 2024 selection of Biles continues that tradition of celebrating not just athletic excellence but also personal resilience and societal contribution.
Biles joins an elite list of gymnasts who have received the honor, including Mary Lou Retton (1985) and Kerri Strug (1996). However, Biles is the first gymnast to be named Sportsperson of the Year while still actively competing in the Olympic cycle. Her longevity and dominance are unprecedented in the sport.
Impact on the Olympics
Biles' presence in Paris was a ratings boon for NBC, which broadcast the Games. According to Nielsen data, the women's gymnastics events drew an average of 28 million viewers, the highest since 2012. Her comeback story was the most-searched Olympic narrative on Google in 2024, surpassing even the men's 100-meter final. The "Simone Biles effect" also led to a surge in youth gymnastics enrollment, with USA Gymnastics reporting a 40% increase in membership compared to the previous year.
Beyond ratings, Biles helped restore the luster of the Olympics, which had suffered from declining interest and controversies in recent cycles. Her positive spirit and sportsmanship reminded audiences of the unifying power of the Games. She was seen dancing with teammates, cheering on competitors from rival nations, and even comforting a fallen Ukrainian gymnast during the team finals.
Legacy and Future
At 28, Biles is already considered the greatest gymnast of all time, with 37 World Championship and Olympic medals combined. Her signature moves—the Biles (on floor and vault)—are named after her, a rare honor in the sport. She has pushed the boundaries of what is physically possible in gymnastics, and her influence will be felt for generations.
Looking ahead, Biles has not ruled out competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "I'm taking it one day at a time," she said in a recent interview with ESPN. "But if my body and mind are in the right place, I'd love to go for it." Her continued presence would undoubtedly elevate the sport's profile even further.
In the meantime, Biles is focusing on her foundation, her marriage, and her passion for fashion design. She has a clothing line with Athleta and recently collaborated with Nike on a limited-edition sneaker. She also serves as an honorary chair for the Special Olympics.
While Caitlin Clark may have been the popular choice among other media outlets, Sports Illustrated's selection of Simone Biles underscores a deeper appreciation for an athlete who embodies resilience, excellence, and humanity. In a year defined by her golden return, Biles has proven that true greatness is not just about winning medals—it's about overcoming obstacles and inspiring others along the way.
Source:Awful Announcing News