Simone Biles’ extraordinary journey in gymnastics has garnered global recognition, with her latest honor coming from France, where she has earned her latest award. Simone Biles is not just a star in the global sports world but also a person who truly impacts the world with her astonishing and laudable performances and feats that have captured the attention of the international audience.

Her exceptional athletic performances and power over the people do not limit her within the circle of gymnastics. Instead, they expand her influence, and thus she is portrayed as the best. So, getting this latest award from France is just reaffirming her forever legacy and worldwide connectivity, thus writing a better history of the sport. On December 27, Biles was awarded by L’Équipe in the World Champions of Champions category 2024 for the second consecutive year. Who else received the award with Biles?

The editorial staff of L’Equipe Group voted for French swimmer Leon Marchand, Brazilian para-swimmer Gabriel dos Santos Araujo, and Jiang Yugan (Chinese para-swimmer), along with American gymnast Simone Biles. It is the first time a “world” trophy has also been awarded to a para-athlete. 27-year-old gymnast Biles won this award for the fifth time. Biles made it to this award after getting overshadowed by basketball star Caitlin Clark. How did that happen?

Caitlin Clark claimed the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and was also announced as a finalist for the World Sports Star of the Year award 2024. A few days back, American basketball player Clark was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, overshadowing Biles on the international stage. Clark got 35 votes, and Olympic gymnast Biles received 25 votes.

Simone Biles’ impact on outside gymnastics

Olympic medalist Simone Biles made headlines in gymnastics with 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, which makes her the most decorated gymnast. With such accolades, Biles is an inspiration both on and off the mat. Biles made her strong comeback after she suffered from the twisties during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Athletes, including gymnasts, supported Biles and related to the incident of serious danger of mid-air maneuvering. A twistie is a mental block that strikes midair and is unable to balance body and mind, leading to serious injury. After that incident, Biles had to quit the team and worked on herself with therapy sessions and physical training to recover. She had to ditch her usual routine and worked hard and came back stronger.

Simone Biles won three golds at the 2024 Paris Olympics for vault, all-around, and team events, and a silver floor exercise. Before that, in the 2023 World Championships, she won four gold medals: one for the team, and three others were for all-around, balance team, and floor exercise. Biles’ strong comeback shows her dedication and excellence on the mat. Along with the inspiration due to her strength and accolades on the mat, Biles is all set to start her new venture.

Simone Biles’ restaurant, called “Taste of Gold,” is all set to open in early 2025 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas. Her restaurant is in partnership with The Playmakers Group. In a press release, Biles said, “I am a foodie at heart, and our hope with Taste of Gold is to offer a beautiful dining experience that features award-winning, signature menu items with some of my favorite flavors sprinkled in for our guests.” Biles’ love for food and business sets her apart, as she is not sticking to only gymnastics to inspire the young generation, but her skills off the mat are also an inspiration.