Simone Biles earns fourth Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award at 2025 ceremony
- The 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards recognized Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade for their outstanding achievements in gymnastics.
- Simone Biles won her fourth Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award, while Rebeca Andrade was honored with the Laureus Comeback of the Year Award.
- Their rivalry and friendship are seen as pivotal in advancing gymnastics, and both are setting their sights on future competitions.
On April 22, 2025, in Madrid, Spain, the Laureus World Sports Awards took place, highlighting the achievements of athletes from around the globe. Simone Biles, the American gymnastics icon, won her fourth Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award. This recognition comes after her impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, where she captured three gold medals and one silver, cementing her legacy as one of the sport's greatest competitors. Biles has achieved a monumental total of 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade also excelled at the awards, receiving the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. Andrade’s journey included overcoming significant injuries that almost led her to retire from the sport. Nonetheless, she returned to the top, earning two silver medals and one bronze in Paris, alongside her gold on the floor exercise. This achievement not only made her Brazil’s most decorated Olympian but also illustrated her resilience and dedication to gymnastics. Both gymnasts have fostered a unique friendship and rivalry that has advanced the sport in terms of difficulty and excitement. Biles appreciates Andrade's impact on gymnastics and praised their camaraderie, highlighting that their competition has pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the sport. Their rivalry and friendship were notably showcased during the Olympic Games, where Biles and fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles honored Andrade after her remarkable performance. The future of these elite athletes is uncertain. Biles has expressed contemplation over her career, hinting at possible retirement due to the physical demands of the sport. In contrast, Andrade remains committed to her training and is focused on upcoming competitions, including the World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. As women’s sports continue to gain recognition and respect, both athletes are role models, embodying the spirit and resilience required to excel at the highest levels of competition.