Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year.
This honor recognizes her incredible return to the sport and the resilience she demonstrated in overcoming personal and professional challenges that nearly ended her career.
The moment Biles stood before the vault table at the 2024 Paris Olympics, 25 meters separating her from her legacy, the weight of her journey was palpable.
In a quiet conversation with her teammate, Jordan Chiles, Biles expressed a lingering fear—was she about to experience a repeat of the “twisties” that had derailed her in Tokyo three years earlier?
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics were a turning point for Biles. Battling gymnastics vertigo, she faced a physical and mental block that forced her to withdraw from event after event.
This heart-wrenching decision was met with widespread support, but also a chorus of criticism. In the aftermath, Biles wrestled with her identity and the pressure of being an international icon, compounded by the trauma of her past experiences with sexual abuse at the hands of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
Yet Biles’ perseverance took center stage in Paris. Despite the lingering effects of a calf injury, Biles stunned the gymnastics world by securing gold in the team event and qualifying for multiple individual finals. Her vault, the Yurchenko double pike (Biles II), became one of the defining moments of the games, demonstrating that not only had she returned, but she had surpassed her former self.
Her path to redemption wasn’t easy. After Tokyo, Biles faced moments of self-doubt and fear of injury, but with the support of her family, teammates, and mental health professionals, she rebuilt both her confidence and love for the sport. Returning to the gym was not about competition—it was about finding joy in gymnastics once again. Her coaches, Cécile Landi and Laurent Landi, initially expressed concerns about her mental readiness, but Biles’ determination proved them wrong.
Biles’ journey to mental and physical recovery highlights the complexities athletes face behind the scenes. Her triumph in Paris was not just a victory on the vault; it was a testament to her ability to overcome the most difficult obstacles in sports and life.
In receiving the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year title, Biles solidifies her legacy—not just as a gymnast, but as a trailblazer for mental health awareness in the athletic world. Her story continues to inspire athletes and fans alike, showing that resilience is about more than just winning; it’s about rising above the challenges that come with being human.
In addition to her Olympic success, Biles’ courage to speak out on issues that matter to her, such as the abuse by Nassar and the pressure of competition, has sparked essential conversations about athlete welfare and the importance of mental health care.
As she continues to inspire a new generation of gymnasts, Simone Biles has firmly established herself not only as an unparalleled athlete but as a transformative figure in the sporting world. Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year, Simone Biles, reminds us that greatness is defined by perseverance, courage, and an unrelenting spirit.
