Move over, Simone Biles—there’s a new star in town, and she’s hitting nothing but net. While the world’s most decorated gymnast is busy defying gravity and making the impossible look routine, basketball phenom Caitlin Clark has sneakily stolen the spotlight. And, boy, did she do it with style.
In a year where Biles tumbled, vaulted, and soared her way to three Olympic golds and a silver at the Paris Games, Clark dribbled her way into sports fans’ hearts—and the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year title. Clark, with her sharpshooting wizardry, racked up 35 votes to Biles’ 25 for the AP honor. Ouch. It’s like missing the podium by a whisker.
But don’t feel too bad for Biles. She still snagged the prestigious L’Équipe World Champion of Champions award—for the second consecutive year, no less. Oh, and did we mention this was her fifth time taking home this trophy? That’s not just a trophy case—it’s practically a shrine.
Biles: Back on Top, Twisties Be Damned
Biles’ 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. After a turbulent Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where the “twisties” (think of it as an airborne existential crisis) forced her to withdraw from several events, many wondered if she’d ever return to her dominant form.
Spoiler alert: she did. And then some.
Gold in the all-around? Check. Vault? Double check. Team event? Triple check. Toss in a silver on floor exercise for good measure, and it’s safe to say Biles is back, baby. The gymnastics mat might as well be renamed “Biles Boulevard” at this point.
But while her flips and tricks continue to dazzle, it’s Biles’ resilience that sets her apart. Taking a step back to prioritize her mental health post-Tokyo wasn’t just brave—it was groundbreaking. Now, with therapy and a fierce determination, she’s proving that the comeback is always greater than the setback.
Meanwhile, in the World of Swishes and Swagger
While Biles was racking up medals, Caitlin Clark was busy making a name for herself in the WNBA. The 2024 Rookie of the Year dazzled audiences with her record-breaking three-point shooting and clutch performances, becoming the league’s new darling. Fans can’t get enough of her fearless attitude—and neither can the awards committees.
It’s a classic tale of two titans: one dominating the mat, the other owning the hardwood. Who’s the bigger star? That depends on whether you prefer gravity-defying leaps or buzzer-beating threes.
Gold Medals and Gold Plates
As if being a gymnastics GOAT weren’t enough, Biles is adding restaurateur to her résumé. Her first restaurant, “Taste of Gold,” is set to open at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport in 2025. If her flips are anything like her food, expect diners to leave star-struck and full.
Whether you’re Team Biles or Team Clark, one thing’s for sure: 2024 has been a banner year for women in sports. So here’s to two unstoppable forces proving that whether you’re flipping on a beam or draining threes from downtown, greatness comes in all forms. Just don’t ask us to pick a favorite—we’ll leave that to the voters.
