Simone Biles has captured another accolade.
Time named the American gymnast as its 2021 athlete of the year on Thursday.
Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) is TIME’s 2021 Athlete of the Year #TIMEPOY https://t.co/yz9BkuDnto pic.twitter.com/y4FhB0HxAA
— TIME (@TIME) December 9, 2021
The 24-year-old has won four Olympic gold medals and is among the most recognizable gymnasts in the world. But in 2021, her contributions extended beyond sport.
Biles, as the face of the American team, was expected to add more gold medals to her collection at the delayed Olympics in Tokyo.
But it was announced due to her mental state and a case of the ‘twisties’ Biles would not compete in some events. Biles’ decision received some backlash on social media, but was also was met lots of support.
“I wouldn’t change anything for the world,” said Biles, who left Japan with a silver medal from the team competition and an individual bronze on balance beam. “I gave an outlet for athletes to speak up about their mental health and their well-being and learn that you can put yourself (as a person) first before the athlete.”
Biles returned home with two new medals. One month later she took the stand testifying about former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar’s abuse before the Senate.
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