The year 2024 has already begun. But, the staunch performances of top global athletes in 2023 are lucid in everyone’s memories. Awards, accolades, and recognition are making their way before another season of achievements starts in the Olympic year. As one turns to the gymnastics realm, who can shine brighter than the GOAT Simone Biles?
Time to wait for the people’s verdict
People’s Choice recently added a tweet to its official X account, naming several top athletes for its annual honor. The tweet carried the caption, “Which one of these nominees performed at the highest level this year?! Vote now for the Athlete of the Year! #PCAs. http://bit.ly/3RVntT6 @CocoGauff @giannis_an34 @kingjames Lionel Messi @sabrina_i20 @simone_biles @stephencurry30 @tkelce”
The name of Simone Biles was also included in the list alongside the best sportspersons who didn’t just dominate 2023, but are perennial superstars. Although Simone Biles is the greatest gymnast in the world right now, her comeback occurred quite late in the year.
Moreover, the off-season of gymnastics began soon after she stood on top of the world in Antwerp. But, although she couldn’t participate in a lot of contests, she did ace every contest she participated in. Right from the US Classic, Simone Biles never made it seem like she was making a comeback. In fact, anyone who watched her routines couldn’t believe she ever left. However, the other athletes on the list are not far behind.
How does Simone Biles fare against other athletes?
Simone Biles won four gold medals at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics Championship to extend her already massive world championship count to 30. She also exalted her gold medal records in beam balance and floor exercises. Interestingly, the other gymnasts have barely won just half the number of world titles as her. The highlight moment of her comeback came when she got a move named after her in Belgium.
While her achievements are nothing short of epic, other athletes also earned their way on the list. Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup alongside his home team Argentina against the defending champs, France. American tennis star Coco Gauff won her first Grand Slam this year after continuously climbing up the ranks of WTA.
Several NBA players also made it to the list. LeBron ‘King’ James of the LA Lakers, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks were the top stars on this list. Barring 2023 and 2019, these three men and their teams have been winning the NBA championship since 2015, with Curry in the lead with four title wins. Do you think Simone Biles will be able to win the 2023 People’s Choice award with such strong competition?
