While many would crown Simone Biles as the Greatest in her sport, she once revealed her GOATs, who crossed the boundaries of gymnastics.

With 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals under her belt, Biles is undoubtedly the most decorated gymnast in history. But as she named a set of athletes who deserve the Sportsperson of the Year awards, no gymnasts made it to the cut.

“I grew up on LeBron James, so I have to say LeBron James,” she said in a Sports Illustrated quiz in 2025. “We’re gonna go with women’s sports, so Diana (Taurasi).” And lastly, she added, “I love Serena, (so) Serena Williams.”

However, Biles didn’t forget to add a special comment about Williams. When she was asked to pick the better athlete between her and the tennis icon, a laughing Biles didn’t hesitate to say, “We can both win.”

In numbers, Biles has 11 Olympic medals compared to Williams, who has just 4. However, the 39 Grand Slam winner is also the most decorated tennis player in Olympic history, just as Biles is in gymnastics.

So, Biles admiring the arguably greatest tennis player of this era is only natural. However, this admiration didn’t go one-way.

Serena Williams Praised Simone Biles

Both stars have often referred to each other when it comes to inspirational factors. While their friendship plays a bigger role in this, Williams once stated how Biles, as an athlete, inspired her.

“Her comments, her performance, I feel like she’s 35 years old, mentally. She’s just so incredible,” Williams spoke of Biles. “Simone strikes the powerful balance between humility and confidence… I wish I had her to look up to when I was younger and trying to realize my dreams.”

The mutual respect, decorated athlete status, and all-around sisterhood between the two greatest athletes of their respective sports is a testament to sportsmanship, which goes beyond gymnastics or tennis.

Moving forward, can you name another athlete duo like Williams and Biles? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy