Simone Biles has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year after winning four medals, including three golds, at the Paris Olympics. This award recognizes her athletic achievements and her influence on the sport and broader issues concerning athletes. Biles will accept the award at a ceremony in January 2024.

American gymnast Simone Biles has been recognized as Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year following her remarkable achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she earned an impressive collection of four new medals. This accolade further elevates Biles’ status as a sports icon, marking her as one of the most decorated female gymnasts in Olympic history, now tied for second place overall. The award highlights not only her athletic prowess but her transformative impact on the sport and her advocacy for important issues affecting athletes today.

At the Paris Olympics, Biles showcased remarkable talent by securing three gold medals and one silver medal across team, all-around, vault, and floor exercise events. This success comes after she faced significant challenges at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she withdrew from the team final due to “the twisties,” a condition that disrupts a gymnast’s mental and physical synchronization. Despite the challenges she faced, Biles’ determination and resilience have propelled her to new heights in her career.

Sports Illustrated commended Biles for her accomplishments, stating, “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.” Furthermore, the magazine emphasized Biles’ courage, recalling a moment during the Olympics when she expressed concern about facing another difficult period in her career, only to regain her composure and excel in her performance.

Biles will accept the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year award on January 7 during Sports Illustrated’s annual awards ceremony, which will take place at Wynn Las Vegas, featuring actor Keegan-Michael Key as the host. Since its inception in 1954, the Sportsperson of the Year award has recognized exceptional talents and contributions within the realm of sports, with notable previous winner Deion Sanders receiving the honor in 2023.

Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year award has been awarded annually since 1954, celebrating athletes who have made significant impacts in their respective sports and beyond. Simone Biles, a prodigy in gymnastics, has already won eleven Olympic medals, including a stunning performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her legacy extends beyond athletics as she has become an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly following her challenges during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The honor of Sportsperson of the Year acknowledges not only her athletic achievements but also her influence as a role model and activist in the sporting community.

In conclusion, Simone Biles’ recognition as Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year reflects her extraordinary accomplishments at the Paris Olympics as well as her significant influence in promoting discussions about athlete mental health and well-being. This award further solidifies her legacy as one of the most accomplished gymnasts in history, demonstrating her unwavering determination and commitment to her sport. Her victories and ongoing advocacy will inspire future generations of athletes.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com

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