It may be a new year, but Simone Biles is still being celebrated for a historic year in her career. The three-time Paris Olympic gold medalist earned the final honor of 2024, being named the Sports Illustrated Sports Person of the Year award. However, despite always finding herself under the spotlight, the most decorated gymnast of the year made a confession.

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“It might be a surprise to a lot of you guys to hear this, but I really don’t like being in the limelight, the center of the room. But it tends to happen to me a lot,” said the 27-year-old while accepting the award by Sports Illustrated. What’s more? After countless interviews and award ceremonies over the years, Biles gets nervous while giving speeches as well.

Instead, Simone Biles would rather let her actions dazzle the crowd than her words. “I’m really uncomfortable with public speaking, so trust me when I tell you I’d rather be competing on a 4-inch beam in front of you guys,” the gymnastics legend confessed on stage. However, despite her unease with public speaking, the GOAT nailed her acceptance speech.

While having her Rio 2016 teammate Ally Raisman on stage contributed to her confidence, it’s safe to say Biles has made it a habit of overcoming challenges, no matter how big or small. However, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles didn’t just give a flawless speech; her words aimed to inspire. “When I was six I never imagined winning medals,” she admitted.

There, her GOAT symbol necklace stole just as much attention as she did. Simone Biles became the first gymnast to nab two non-consecutive all-around titles and the first woman since Vera Čáslavská (1964–68) to claim two Olympic all-around golds. She shared, “My goat necklace is just kind of an ode because [some] people love it and some people hate it.” And about being called the greatest ever?

“It is crazy that I am in the conversation of greatest of all athletes,” said Simone. However, the gymnastics icon also acknowledged she would never have made it this far without the support of her family and friends. The Olympian especially acknowledged her husband Jonathan Owens’ contribution.

The most decorated gymnast in the world thanked the NFL safety for being by her side “through the highs and the lows,” of her career. After all, Owen was instrumental in helping the 27-year-old rise above the disastrous Tokyo Olympics performance. Not only did Owen support his wife, but defended her decision to withdraw as well.

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So it was no surprise that Jonathan Owens accompanied the world champion to the award ceremony. Simone Biles and Owens uploaded some behind-the-scenes footage from the red carpet, where they posed for pictures. Owens also uploaded a heartfelt video congratulating the Olympic legend for her achievement.

“Hey baby, I just want to congratulate you on winning your Sports Person of the Year award… I’m so happy and so proud of you, baby. The determination and all the hard work that you did to get yourself back into this position, to go out there and do what you love again, babe,” the pro football star said on January 7.

“It’s been so amazing to see you; how much fun you’ve been having. And I just want to say congratulations, baby, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you. I love you so much,” the 29-year-old added. And as Simone Biles steps into 2025, everyone, including Jonathan Owens, can’t wait to see what new heights the gymnast achieves.

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Simone Biles Makes Surprising Confession While Receiving Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year Award