In a celebration of brilliance, resilience, and historic athletic achievement, Simone Biles (USA) and Rebeca Andrade (BRA) took center stage at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards, cementing their places as icons of global sport. Held in Madrid, the prestigious ceremony recognized the world’s most outstanding athletes across all disciplines — and once again, gymnastics was in the spotlight.
A Triumphant Return for Simone Biles
Simone Biles, now a three-time Laureus Sportswoman of the Year, earned the honor for her breathtaking comeback at the Paris 2024 Olympics. It’s a full-circle moment for the 27-year-old, who called the Games her “Redemption Tour” following a highly publicized withdrawal during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she prioritized her mental health in a watershed moment for athlete wellness.
The Laureus World Sports Academy praised Biles for returning not only with strength but with a renewed sense of purpose:
“Simone Biles didn’t just reclaim her place atop the podium—she redefined what athletic greatness means in this generation. Her courage, precision, and power have inspired millions.”
Biles triumphed over a fiercely competitive shortlist that included:
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Aitana Bonmatí (ESP) – Football
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Sifan Hassan (NED) – Athletics
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Faith Kipyegon (KEN) – Athletics
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – Athletics
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Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) – Tennis
This win adds to Biles’ previous Laureus awards in 2016 and 2020, which also followed her record-breaking Olympic performances.
Rebeca Andrade: Trailblazer for Brazil and Beyond
Alongside Biles, Rebeca Andrade — the reigning Olympic Vault Champion — received the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award, honoring her emotional and physically demanding return to top form after battling multiple ACL injuries earlier in her career.
Andrade, who made history at the Tokyo Games as Brazil’s first-ever Olympic gymnastics gold medalist, continued her momentum in Paris. She not only defended her vault title but also added all-around and beam medals to her already stellar résumé, dazzling judges and fans alike with a blend of artistry and athleticism.
“From setbacks to stardom, Rebeca Andrade’s journey is one of the most compelling stories in sport today,” said the Academy. “She represents the spirit of perseverance and pride for a new generation of athletes in Latin America and the world.”
A Global Jury of Legends
The winners were chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a panel of 69 sports legends from across the globe. Among those casting their votes were gymnastics royalty Nadia Comăneci (ROU), the first gymnast to score a perfect 10, and Li Xiaopeng (CHN), one of the most decorated male gymnasts in history.
Their votes underscore the gravity of this recognition, which is widely considered the highest honor in international sports outside of Olympic competition.
The Future Is Female — And Fearless
The dual recognition of Biles and Andrade is more than symbolic. It signals a new era for women’s artistic gymnastics, one where athletes are not only recognized for their competitive prowess but for the narratives they carry — of resilience, mental fortitude, and cultural impact.
Their presence on the Laureus stage further elevates the sport’s global status, encouraging more investment, visibility, and support for young gymnasts worldwide. As the Paris Olympics glow still lingers and the road to Los Angeles 2028 begins, these two champions are more than victors.
