Simone Biles named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year after history-making 2019
It has been an amazing year for award-winning gymnast Simone Biles and now she has a new title of Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.
The voting process for this honor is voted on by AP editors as well as writers, and Biles beat out soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who finished runner-up.
"I realize now with the platform I have it will be powerful if I speak up and speak for what I believe in," Biles told The Associated Press. "It’s an honor to speak for those that are less fortunate. So if I can be a voice for them in a positive manner, then of course I'm going to do whatever I can."
In October, the 22-year-old Olympic star made history for winning 25 world championship titles, the most medals of any gymnast in world championship history.
She also was celebrated at the world championships for landing two signature moves.
Biles nailed the double-double dismount on the balance beam and triple-double on the floor, and both moves are slated to be named after her.
She also helped carry the U.S. women's gymnastics team to its record-tying fifth consecutive world championship this year.
Biles has been using her massive platform for good, becoming an advocate for sexual abuse survivors.
In November, she spoke out on Twitter about the Larry Nassar investigation.
"I realize now with the platform I have it will be powerful if I speak up and speak for what I believe in,” Biles told the AP. "It's an honor to speak for those that are less fortunate. So if I can be a voice for them in a positive manner, then of course I'm going to do whatever I can."
