"I really don't like being in the limelight"- Simone Biles makes an honest confession as she receives major award for performances in the Olympic year

Simone Biles made an honest confession as she received the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award for outstanding performances in 2024. The American athlete revealed that she did not like being in the limelight or the center of attention for things other than gymnastics but would rather prefer to perform in front of an audience instead of giving an acceptance speech.

Biles' appearance at the Olympic Games in Paris was one of the most anticipated moments of the quadrennial games. The return of the former World Champion to the pinnacle games once again after a heartbreaking exit at the Tokyo Olympics had all gymnastics fans on the edges of their seats to watch her perform on the global stage once again.

Living up to the expectations of the fans, Simone Biles put forward dominant performances to win three gold medals and one silver medal. She was named the Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated and revealed that she was really uncomfortable with public speaking and did not like being in the spotlight.

"It might be a surprise for a lot of you guys, but I really don't like being in the limellight, in the centre of the room. But it tends to happen to me a lot. But I'm really uncomfortable with public speaking, so, trust me when I tell you this I'd rather be competing on a four inch beam infront of you guys." she said.

---

Simone Biles on feeling anxious in the Olympic village

Simone Biles competes in the balance beam finals at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024: Day 10 - Source: Getty

Simone Biles took to TikTok to share her experience of competing at the Paris Olympics. The American gymnast revealed that she had stopped visiting the cafeteria in the Olympic Village after going there once, as she got very anxious after being swarmed for photos.

“I have not done much around the Olympic Village, and it’s because the first day we got here, and I got to the cafeteria and a lot of people were asking me for photos, like nonstop, and whenever I sat down to eat my anxiety was so bad I was shaking and I couldn’t stop shaking,” she said.

Furthermore, Biles revealed that being one of the most popular athletes in the Olympic Village was very overwhelming for her as she did not enjoy being in the limelight and enjoyed her privacy. However, she thanked everybody for their unwavering support throughout the major games.