Controversial AP Athlete of the Year Vote Sparks Fan Reactions as Biles Finishes Second
Caitlin Clark has been awarded the prestigious AP Athlete of the Year title, securing 35 votes, while gymnastics superstar Simone Biles finished in second place with 25 votes. Boxer Imane Khelif rounded out the top three, stirring mixed reactions among the sports community.
Clark, the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and a two-time National Player of the Year for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has built an impressive collegiate career. This 22-year-old talent made history as the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, joining the ranks of the Indiana Fever. She capped off her phenomenal season by claiming the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, a testament to her remarkable skills on the court.
In contrast, Simone Biles, a decorated gymnast, returned home from the Paris Olympics with three gold medals and a silver, following her record-breaking ninth National title. Despite her tremendous achievements, Biles found herself in the runner-up position for the AP honor, reflecting a surprising 10-vote gap behind Clark. Meanwhile, Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer who has faced scrutiny due to a gender-related controversy since the Olympics, secured third place in the voting.
Reactions from fans have been polarized; some expressed outrage over Biles’ defeat while others debated the implications of Khelif’s controversial standing. One fan remarked on social media that it was “absurd” for Clark, who has yet to claim a national championship or a playoff victory, to take home the Athlete of the Year title over Biles, a record-breaking gold medalist.
Comments have varied widely: one Twitter user criticized the voting, stating, “The athlete who actually won something gets second place. Insane work.” Meanwhile, others pointed out that Biles’ extraordinary achievements in individual sports seemingly outweighed Clark’s in a team setting.
Simone Biles continues to shine, having recently been recognized as the most acknowledged athlete in a survey conducted among New York Times subscribers. A facial recognition quiz revealed that Biles led the pack with a recognition rate of 92%, significantly surpassing Rafael Nadal at 56% and Clark at 73%.
In 2023, Biles clinched her sixth World title after a two-year break and has maintained her momentum with the successful Gold Over America tour spanning 30 cities.
On the other side of the spectrum, Rafael Nadal’s year began at the Brisbane International but was marred by injuries, ultimately leading to his retirement from professional tennis following his participation in the 2024 Davis Cup, albeit with a proud legacy at the Paris Olympics where he carried the torch during the opening ceremony.
