Simone Biles’ Triumph Sparks Uproar Among Caitlin Clark Fans 11x Olympic Medalist Finally Defeats WNBA Star

With the fierce competition that comes in the world of sports, no rivalry can put the public in a frenzied state like the rivalry done by the fans of Simone Biles and Caitlin Clark. Recently, the discussion ratcheted up and inspired some passionate reactions across social media. Yet the latest awards have only stoked the comparisons that most fans have a hard time wrapping their head around — they’ve had monumental years, both, and each has left an indelible mark on their respective sport.

Simone Biles, the queen of gymnastics, won three gold and one silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics to become the most decorated gymnast of all time. Clark, however, scorched the court and became the WNBA Rookie of the Year while taking her team to unprecedented achievements. Her remarkable year also received her the Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year award which added more to the controversy.

It was not surprising that the announcement invited comparisons between the athletes. Simone Biles’ Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year recognition was supposed to have been a celebration of athletic excellence — but Caitlin Clark fans have lit a firestorm. The outrage, however, is proof of how effortlessly both women write the narrative of modern sports.

Simone Biles total medal tally now stands at 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. Making her the most decorated gymnast in history.  Biles return to the top of the global stage after a hiatus has proven her as one of greatest athletes of all time.

While Biles was deserving of that success, it was Caitlin Clark who was the top vote getter when it came to voting for Athlete of the Year, as she got 35 to Biles’ 25. Fans of Clark celebrated her remarkable contributions to women’s basketball. But the recognition of Biles by Sports Illustrated has reignited debates. While her gymnastics feats are unparalleled, critics questioned why Clark’s groundbreaking year didn’t earn her the Sportsperson of the Year title as well.

Simone Biles’ decision to take a step back during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to deal with her mental health helped bring her back into the spotlight with her 2024 Paris Olympics performance. But in doing so she ushered in a moment of advocacy for mental well-being in sport. Off the mat, she’s an inspiration to athletes to learn how to be physically and mentally resilient.

Interestingly, Clark’s rise has mirrored a similar trajectory in her sport. As a rookie in the WNBA, she shattered records — and drew unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. She elevated herself from being a rising star to a national icon by being able to take games and turn them into must watch events.

The announcement of Biles’ Sportsperson of the Year title has polarized fans. On platforms like X , opinions ranged from applause to frustration.

“Congratulations Simone! You deserve it” wrote one fan, emphasizing on her unparalleled career. Another supporter echoed, “Congratulations Simone for this great achievement.” However, Caitlin Clark’s fans were not as enthusiastic. “No disrespect to Simone, imma let her finish, but Caitlyn Clark had one of the best years of all time -White Kanye” said another user, referencing Clark’s accolades. One critic dismissed the choice outright: “DEI trash… should be Clark and not even close.”

via Imago

Nevertheless, some expressed frustration with the selection process itself. “Simone Biles over Caitlin Clark. Next time let’s not make it so obvious what we are doing here,” read another comment.

Despite the controversy, Clark and Biles’ careers share a unifying theme: breaking barriers in their respective sports. The two athletes are not shy about admiring each other, as evidenced by their meeting during a WNBA game that looked so heartfelt. That mutual respect reflects an understanding of the very different kind of pressures they’re under as trailblazers.

The future looks bright for both athletes. At the 2025 gymnastics championships, Biles is expected to inspire, and Clark, who is aiming to transform women’s basketball, continues. While fans argue about who should be getting praise, one thing is true: Biles and Clark are at the top of what it means to be dedicated and impactful in women’s sports. And that is a legacy that will live on for generations.