Simone Biles Joins Novak Djokovic For Final Honour Before Entering Olympic Year

Simone Biles‘ presence on the ground has spread far and wide to gain attention across countries. Being the most decorated gymnast has brought Biles numerous awards the industry and organizations have to offer for the prowess and inspiration she yields. The 7-time Olympic medalist’s stature was honored yet again as she returned to the mats stronger and resilient.

Recently, the Global Wellness Summit celebrated Simone in her vociferous stance on mental health and well-being. Though her stand on the cause during the Olympics invited backlash, a well-backed recognition emphasized the gymnast’s right steps. Today, two months later, as the year pulls down its veneer, Biles stood to prove her excellent presence, tallying the awards’ numbers forward.

Simone Biles receives year-end honors

The International Sports Press Association (AIPS), recently announced its Athletes of the Year for the 2023 edition. Over 100 member countries of the association participated in the poll to decide the winners of the male and female categories. From a panel of 405 journalists, Simone Biles slid through to garner 353 votes and claim the first position. It was the gymnast’s 3rd time claiming the title, following previous wins in 2016 and 2019. Biles was further followed by Caitlin Clark, Iowa’s basketball star and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.

As for the men’s category, the Serbian star, Djokovic Novak swept up a total of 616 votes. Having established himself as one of the prominent players of Tennis, Novak rose to hold a record-extending eighth-year-end No. 1 finish in the Men’s singles World Tennis Ranking. Though the two athletes have nothing left to prove their excellence, they yet continue to tread the way ahead. While the United Open, Australian Cup, and more await the Tennis icon, Simone Biles has just one immediate goal for the upcoming year.

The gymnastic tryst in 2023

During the 2020 Olympics, Simone Biles cut her journey short to focus on her mental health. The decision extended to encompass 2 years of Simone off the mats. While the hiatus brought along uncertainties of returning, the gymnast announced her comeback in June this year. “I will always get to do whatever I want to do after my career is over,” Biles told Olympics.com. “But I won’t be able to do my career forever.” 

Also Read: “Too Hard”: Simone Biles Confesses Struggling With Namesake Skill

In August, she dominated the 2023 US Classic gymnastics. With 59.1, she won the all-around, while 14.8 secured her gold on the balance beam. Further, she clinched the eighth individual all-around title at the US Championships, followed by 5 medals at the Worlds. With continued momentum in place, Biles will look to grab a spot for the 2024 Olympics during the trials from June 27–30, 2024.

WATCH STORY–With Apprehension for Paris Olympics in Air, Simone Biles Takes Her Next Steps After an Unreal Comeback