Simone Biles simply added one other shiny title to her already legendary profession! The 11-time Olympic medalist was named Sports activities Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the 12 months on Thursday, and she or he’s nonetheless soaking all of it in. “Actually, it’s such an enormous honor,” the 27-year-old gymnast instructed Good Morning America. “I do know the legends who’ve gained it earlier than, so to maintain gymnastics within the highlight is tremendous thrilling. I used to be nonetheless shocked, regardless that I do know lots of people observe gymnastics intently, particularly throughout Olympic years.”
Her shock is comprehensible. “I all the time really feel a little bit shocked after I win any award or recognition,” she added with a smile. This recognition comes on the heels of an unforgettable yr during which Biles stormed the 2024 Paris Olympics, bringing residence 4 extra medals, together with gold within the staff, all-around, vault, and flooring train occasions. With these wins, she’s now tied for second-most embellished feminine gymnast in Olympic historical past, in response to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
And let’s not overlook the unbelievable comeback: only a few years after stepping again from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a result of disorienting “twisties,” Biles returned to the highlight in Paris, proving as soon as once more why she’s a power to be reckoned with. Sports activities Illustrated couldn’t have summed it up higher: “Simone Biles is Sports activities Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the 12 months as a result of she gained gold, after which one other gold, after which one other; as a result of she modified the face of her sport and the conversations round athletes usually; as a result of she continues to talk out about points that matter to her.”
The icing on the cake? The ceremony shall be hosted by actor Keegan-Michael Key on the Wynn Las Vegas on January 7, the place Biles will settle for her award in particular person. Speak about ending the yr with a bang!
For her photoshoot, Simone 27, slayed in a sequence of ultra-chic, show-stopping outfits. She wowed in a sheer black bodysuit paired with a glossy skirt, a daring brown snakeskin bodysuit that exuded confidence, and rhinestone-studded shorts that added simply the correct quantity of sparkle. Her radiant smile and jaw-dropping physique actually stole the highlight, whereas her head-to-toe glam look was nothing in need of perfection. A well-deserved second for this powerhouse, congratulations, Simone!, effectively deserved, see a video clip inside…
Photographs by Shaniqwa Jarvis/Sports activities Illustrated