Simone Biles Named Time Magazine’s 2021 Athlete Of The Year

Simone Biles has been named Time Magazine’s 2021 Athlete of the Year.

The 24-year-old made headlines in July when she withdrew from the women’s all-around gymnastics final at the Tokyo Olympics due to her mental health.

Although some critics, including Piers Morgan, blasted her for ‘quitting,’ and called her a ‘joke,’ others praised her for speaking out.

Simone Biles Says She ‘Should Have Quit’ Before Tokyo Olympics

A month later, Biles, along with three other athletes, gave a testimony about former team doctor, Larry Nassar, who is currently serving time in jail for various sexual abuse crimes.

Time says she has ‘become a light in the world through her contributions as an athlete, an advocate for mental wellness and a voice for victims of sexual abuse’.

Many people have rushed to Twitter to congratulate the athlete, with one writing: “Bravo Time Magazine. Well deserved! Putting health over all else will create a shift in our society. Removing the stigma is key.”

Another added: “She is beautiful inside and out. 100% deserving of the honour. Thank You @Simone_Biles for showing me that it’s ok to say no I can’t right now, my health comes first.”

“She just gave permission for every gymnast to tell her coach ‘No, I won’t keep going’ when they have the twisties, are sick, or injured. In a sport with a history of abuse, this is game-changing,” wrote a third.

“Great choice. Humble, gracious, and everything in between,” penned a fourth.

However, not everybody feels she is ‘deserving’ of the accolade.

One person tweeted: “She’s the greatest of all time, but there were many other athletes more qualified to win this award over the course of 2021. I get everything is political, and you have to sell subscriptions, but this is a slap in the face to all who had a better 2021.”

Another wrote: “Time is becoming increasingly irrelevant because of these unjustified recognitions. Simone Biles fell apart at the Olympics.”

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