Simone Biles named Sportsperson of The Year following historic Olympic comeback by major media outlet

Simone Biles was named the Sportsperson of the Year by a major magazine following her historic comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The American gymnast became the oldest woman to win the all-around title in 75 years.

Biles was crowned Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of The Year on Thursday for her remarkable 2024 season that saw her dominate the national and international gymnastics competitions. The 27-year-old said she was honored to receive the recognition and stated she would continue to inspire the younger generation.

"I'm Simone Biles and I'm so excited to be Sportsperson of the Year. I think it's such a huge honor and a blessing that I have paved the way for the younger generations in gymnastics and hopefully will continue to do so," Simone Biles said.

Biles endured a turbulent time at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after being diagnosed with twisties and subsequent withdrawals from the event finals. She received heavy criticism from a section of fans with several labeling her as a 'quitter'. The world champion took nearly a two-year break from the sport afterward and returned in 2023.

After a triumphant return at the World Championships last year, Biles scripted a historic Olympic comeback at the Paris 2024 Games. She helped Team USA reclaim the gold medal before becoming the oldest gymnast in 75 years to win the all-around title.

Biles also won the vault title before earning a silver on floor exercise and said she was proud of herself after being unsure about her career following the Tokyo Olympics.

“I’ve accomplished way more than my wildest dreams, not just at this Olympics, but in the sport. So I can’t be mad at my performances. A couple years ago, I didn’t think I’d be back here at an Olympic Games. So competing and then walking away with four medals, I’m not mad about it. I’m pretty proud of myself,” she said (via The Guardian).

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"The full magnitude I don’t think I’ve realized just yet" - Simone Biles on her legacy in gymnastics

Gymnastics during the Paris 2024 Olympics- Simone Biles in action - Source: Getty

Simone Biles had teased retirement following the Paris Olympics, citing fatigue as one of the reasons, and while the gymnast hasn't ruled out an appearance at the 2025 World Championships, she would still finish as arguably the greatest gymnast in history. However, she is yet to realize the magnitude of her greatness.

"I don’t think the reality has set in of what I’ve exactly done in the sport. I can see it, and I hear it from people, and I see a glimpse of it, but the full magnitude I don’t think I’ve realized just yet," she told Sports Illustrated.

Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history by a wide margin with a combined 41 World and Olympic medals, while the second-most decorated, Larisa Latynina, has 32 medals.