“Broke the Color Barrier in Sports”: Simone Biles Pays Tribute to MLB Legend as She Achieves Inaugural Jackie Robinson Sportsman of the Year Award

Simone Biles is an inspirational figure in the sporting world. By becoming the most decorated gymnast of all time, she showed the world the power of determination, patience, and relentless hard work. Biles lives true to the example of the phrase ‘no human is limited’. The world already had an idea of her talent when she won the World Championships during her debut as a young gymnast.

Her consistency in performing sensationally over the past few years has made her as successful as she is today. She has achieved all of this by the age of twenty-five. With many records under her name, Simone has been a recipient of many awards. From being the Laureus sportswoman of the year to winning the Presidential Medal Of Freedom, she has done it all.

Simone Biles wins another award

The Rose Bowl Institute, based out of Pasadena, California, presented its first awards for sportsmanship this year. The nominations for the ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ included Simone Biles, Tom Brady, Jrue Holiday, Nelson Cruz, and Nneka Ogwumike. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Rose Bowl stadium. The institute has educational programs for sports persons and operates on the motto that ‘sports has the power to unite people everywhere.’

In the inaugural edition of the awards, the board honored MLB legend Jackie Robinson with the ‘Sportsperson of the Century award. “A baseball legend and sports icon, Robinson has been a true leader in sportsmanship and been a key contributor to the growth of sports,” said the Rose Bowl institute in a tweet acknowledging the contribution of Jackie Robinson to the world of sports.

Simone Biles won the Jackie Robinson Sportsperson of the Year award. She thanked the institute for the award and mentioned how the mission of the institute is truly remarkable. Speaking of the influence Jackie Robinson had on her, she said,” Jackie Robinson not only showed me how to embrace all of who I am and how he successfully broke the color barrier in sports.“

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“He also laid the blueprint for the true grit, resilience, determination, and self-respect and what self-love looks like,” she said. Simone further wished the Rose Bowl stadium a happy birthday for its iconic 100th birthday. 

Biles’ top performances

Consistency and discipline make an athlete legendary. Simone showcased her talent throughout her career, with record-breaking performances. By overcoming all the adversities that came her way, she paved her way to the top. Simone was in top form in 2019 during the U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

Simone stunned the world by landing a triple-double on her floor routine. This performance by Simone became the highlight of the Championships. She is the only woman in gymnastics history to land a triple-double in the floor routine.

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Ever since her absence from the sport, fans wait for such performances. It has been over a year since Simone announced any updates regarding her career. Fans await her return to the gymnastics arena.