Simone Biles Snubbed From Times 100 Most Influential People List 2024 Despite Paris Olympics Year

The year 2023 proved to be fortuitous in the life of gymnastics phenom Simone Biles, both personally and professionally. Personally, it was a year of joy as she exchanged vows with her husband, Jonathan Owens, while professionally, she returned to gymnastics after a two-year hiatus. Demonstrating her unmatched skill and seniority, Biles swiftly reclaimed her dominance, clinching victories in competitions such as the 2023 Core Hydration Classic and the 2023 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

Her comeback culminated in an epic display at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where she not only secured her sixth all-around title but also earned gold in team, balance beam, and floor exercise, alongside a silver in vault. With a staggering tally of 37 World and Olympic medals, Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history in 2023. However, as she sets her sights on the Paris Olympics in 2024, her absence from the revered Time 100 List raises questions, hinting at a notable oversight.

Simone Biles snubbed despite her epic 2023 and 2024 return to gymnastics

According to Time.com, Simone Biles was part of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2021. However, in the most recent release of The 100 Most Influential People of 2024, her name seemed to be missing. The list was categorized into sections ranging from “Artists” featuring stars like Dua Lipa and 21 Savage to “Icons,” “Titans,” “Leaders,” “Innovators,” and “Pioneers.” In 2021, Simone Biles was included in the “Titans” category and Simone Biles was part of TIME’s 2016 Next Generation Leaders series.

However, this year in the “Titans” category were figures like Patrick Mahomes in sports, who led the Kansas City Chiefs to a blazing 2023 Super Bowl victory, Satya Nadella in technology, and Kelly Ripa in media. Despite Biles becoming the most decorated gymnast in 2023, her name was conspicuously absent from the list, even as she embarks on her third Olympic cycle. Reflecting on this oversight, it’s important to recall how, in 2021, Biles not only earned a place in the “Titans” category but also received a powerful tribute from tennis legend Serena Williams.

How Serena Williams applauded Biles in 2021

At the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Simone Biles faced immense pressure because of the “Twisties” and withdrew from most of the competition. Despite this setback, she returned to secure a silver medal with her team and a bronze on the balance beam, demonstrating her commitment to the sport. Beyond the Olympics, in 2021, Biles also used her platform to champion not only mental health but also the safety of gymnastics by speaking out against Larry Nassar.

Serena Williams, in sharing her perspective on Biles, lauded her extraordinary talent and accomplishments in gymnastics. She recognized Biles as a symbol of empowerment for black women and said, “I wish I had her to look up to when I was younger and trying to realize my dreams.” As we reflect on this iconic moment, Biles is striving to make history once more this year, and after her groundbreaking achievements in 2023, do you believe it’s fair that her name isn’t included in the Times 100 Most Influential People List for 2024? Comment below!