Simone Biles was voted People magazine’s “Personality of the Year” this Wednesday. The gymnast, considered one of the greatest in history, was the cover of the publication, describing the sporting legend as “more than an athlete”.
The magazine highlighted the position taken by Biles at the Tokyo Olympics, when he failed to participate in several finals due to psychological distress. The US currency sparked a debate about the mental health of athletes.
Biles, 24, arrived in Tokyo with seven Olympic medals and was expected to become a big name in the Games, but lost six of her finals due to psychological distress.
Simone Biles was also one of 250 athletes who in 2017 condemned former US artistic gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar for physical, sexual and moral abuse. He was sentenced to over a hundred years in prison.
In addition to Biles, People magazine honored singer Dolly Parton, who helped donate books to more than 160 million children, actress and producer Sandra Oh who fought xenophobic hate crimes against Asians, and led transformational productions. Kia, and Professor Juliana Urtube, all representing three million. Professionals in the field who provided education for young people and adults in the United States during the pandemic.
