The recent announcement of Simone Biles as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year has sparked significant backlash, particularly from fans of Caitlin Clark, who believe the award should have gone to the record-breaking basketball star. Many argue that Clark’s incredible impact on women’s basketball, coupled with her dominance on the court, was overshadowed by the selection of Biles, a gymnast whose achievements, while remarkable, are perceived by some as less relevant to the current sports landscape.

Critics contend that this decision reflects an undue emphasis on diversity and inclusion over merit, raising questions about the credibility and integrity of Sports Illustrated’s awards process.

Caitlin Clark’s stellar season has undeniably positioned her as one of the most influential athletes in women’s sports. Her record-breaking performances, particularly in women’s basketball, made her a natural candidate for the coveted title. Clark’s contributions not only revitalized the WNBA but also helped boost its media rights and viewership, signaling a significant shift in how women’s sports are consumed and appreciated by a global audience.

Her unprecedented achievements in the NCAA and her role in pushing women’s basketball to new heights have generated massive attention, making her a compelling figure in the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports. Yet, despite these accomplishments, the award went to Simone Biles, whose impact in gymnastics, while undeniable, is seen by some as less immediate or groundbreaking compared to Clark’s influence in a rapidly growing sport.

Biles, of course, has made her own lasting impact, both in her sport and on the broader conversation around athlete mental health. Her decision to withdraw from several events at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental well-being prompted a global dialogue about the pressures faced by elite athletes. Biles’ return to competition ahead of the Paris Olympics has only further solidified her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

Her resilience and advocacy for mental health continue to inspire, especially as she uses her platform to discuss the importance of therapy and self-care in high-stress environments. Nonetheless, the timing of her award has led to debates about whether her influence in the gymnastics world is comparable to Clark’s recent achievements in basketball.

The controversy surrounding the award is further complicated by concerns of race and gender bias. Critics argue that Biles’ selection was motivated in part by her status as a Black woman, while Clark’s achievements—often celebrated for breaking records and elevating the profile of women’s basketball—were downplayed.

This has ignited a larger conversation about whether race and gender are influencing the criteria by which athletes are awarded recognition, with some asserting that Clark’s extraordinary season deserved the spotlight regardless of her race. The debate underscores broader societal issues about how diversity is balanced with merit in the world of sports, and whether awards like Sports Person of the Year truly reflect the athletes’ contributions or are swayed by external factors.

Furthermore, the decision has prompted a reconsideration of the relevance of Sports Illustrated itself. Once seen as a prestigious institution in sports journalism, the magazine has come under fire for what some perceive as a growing disconnect between its selections and the actual achievements of athletes.

In contrast to Clark’s groundbreaking influence on women’s college basketball and Shohei Ohtani’s historic season in baseball, Biles’ selection has led many to question the magazine’s criteria for choosing its “Sports Person of the Year.” Critics argue that the focus on diversity and inclusion has led to a shift in how merit is defined in sports recognition. This has fueled a broader discussion about whether contemporary sports awards are more about ticking diversity boxes than celebrating athletic excellence.

The debate over Biles’ award also highlights the politicization of sports figures. The motivations behind the decision are seen by some as politically charged, possibly an attempt to bring attention to issues of race and gender in sports, rather than a reflection of the athlete’s direct impact on their sport.

In the case of Clark, her fans believe that her exceptional achievements were unjustly overshadowed, with some suggesting that the focus on diversity diminished her rightful place as the year’s top athlete. This has led to further questions about the role of sports awards in society, and whether they should remain purely about athletic achievement or evolve to reflect larger societal movements.

Ultimately, the selection of Simone Biles over Caitlin Clark for Sports Person of the Year has sparked a necessary conversation about fairness, recognition, and merit in sports. While Biles’ legacy as a gymnast is undeniable, the controversy highlights the growing demand for sports recognition to be more reflective of the diverse contributions made by athletes across all fields, without diminishing the achievements of those who may not fit the mold.

Fans and critics alike will continue to debate the merits of such decisions, but it’s clear that the conversation about diversity, merit, and recognition in sports is far from over.