Imagine one legend giving a nod to another—it doesn’t get much better than that. That’s exactly what went down when Simone Biles took home the Sportswoman of the Year award at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. This marks her fourth win in the category, tying her with Serena Williams, and it comes on the heels of her incredible comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Biles claimed three golds and a silver, solidifying her spot as one of the greatest gymnasts the world has ever seen. And guess who joined the celebration?

Michael Phelps, the swimming legend who knows a thing or two about greatness and comebacks, shared a beautiful moment on Instagram to congratulate Simone Biles. In the pic, Simone is stunning in a black strapless dress with floral details and a dramatic high-low hem, all smiles as she shares a warm hug with Lindsey Vonn, who’s looking classy in a long-sleeved black outfit with her blonde hair down, holding the Laureus World Sports Awards trophy—just about to hand it over to Simone.

It’s a genuine moment of celebration between two legends, and Phelps shared it on his Instagram story with the caption, “Congrats @simonebiles !! 🐐” and “Well deserved 👏”—a true GOAT recognizing another GOAT. The award holds great significance for Phelps. He secured five nominations for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award from 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2013. But, multiple nominations at the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award failed to result in a win for Phelps during those years. And then, Phelps received the Laureus World Comeback of the Year recognition in 2017 for resuming competitive swimming after his comeback at the 2016 Rio Olympics and his return to the sport.

Phelps has previously shown his respect for Biles. Remember back in 2020? Phelps demonstrated immediate backing for Biles after she decided to prioritize her mental health by withdrawing from various events. He shared that her decision “broke my heart.” He understood how demanding it is to lead athletically.

Through his public disclosure about his mental health challenges, Phelps fully grasps why mental wellness matters more than athletic achievements. Phelps stressed how people tend to minimize mental health problems, but specifically athletes such as Simone, who receive excessive media attention.  But it’s not just one-sided—Simone Biles has always been there for Phelps, too.,

Simone Biles and Michael Phelps passing the torch of greatness

Simone Biles has long expressed admiration for Michael Phelps, both for his achievements in the pool and for his impact on the Olympics as a whole. After her phenomenal performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she secured four golds and a bronze, she shared a fun moment on social media. Biles playfully credited Phelps with teaching her how to “stack her medals,” referring to the way he famously arranged his countless Olympic medals in photoshoots. This lighthearted comment showed her respect for Phelps and his status as a true Olympic icon.

However, her admiration for him goes beyond just a playful moment. When Simone Biles was asked about her personal “Mount Rushmore” of Olympians, she named Phelps, along with herself, swimmer Katie Ledecky, and skier Mikaela Shiffrin. This recognition speaks volumes about her respect for Phelps’s success in the sport, as well as his influence on future generations of athletes. He’s someone who has shaped the Olympic narrative for so many athletes, including herself.

Through public declarations, Simone has established her goal to establish her legacy. She admires Phelps and Bolt but continuously rejects allegiance to any future successor. She declared confidently that she does not aim to replicate the success of Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps during these comparisons.”I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.” The empowerment of her distinctive achievements supersedes her admiration for the gymnastics pioneers because she wants to establish a separate legacy in the world of gymnastics.

Phelps and Biles share a positive athletic rapport that gives mutual praise to their record-breaking achievements. While they come from different disciplines, their shared experiences as Olympians have fostered a respect that goes beyond competition.