Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast—she’s a phenomenon. With an unmatched collection of medals and groundbreaking moves, she’s often hailed as the greatest gymnast of all time. But when it comes to the broader Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) debate across all sports, Biles feels sidelined.
Her bold statement, “I feel like it’s a little bit sexist,” calls out a deeper issue: why do male athletes like Tom Brady or Michael Jordan dominate the G.O.A.T. conversations while female legends are overlooked? Let’s dive into this thought-provoking topic and unpack the gender bias lurking in sports recognition.
The G.O.A.T. Debate: Who Gets to Be the Greatest?
What Does G.O.A.T. Really Mean?
The term G.O.A.T. stands for the “Greatest of All Time”, a title reserved for athletes who have pushed the limits of their sport. But here’s the catch—this title often gravitates toward male athletes.
The Usual Suspects in the G.O.A.T. Conversations
When people debate the G.O.A.T., names like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and Lionel Messi roll off the tongue. But where are the women? Legends like Serena Williams, Mia Hamm, and of course, Simone Biles, deserve the same spotlight.
Why Female Athletes Are Overlooked
The sports world has long been male-dominated, and media coverage plays a huge role in this imbalance. Male athletes get more media exposure, sponsorship deals, and praise, creating a cycle where female athletes are undervalued.
Simone Biles: Redefining Greatness
Her Unmatched Achievements
Let’s talk numbers. Simone Biles has:
- 7 Olympic medals (4 gold)
- 25 World Championship medals (19 gold)
- Introduced moves so difficult they’re named after her
No other gymnast, male or female, has reached these heights.
Pushing Beyond Limits
Biles isn’t just collecting medals; she’s changing gymnastics. Her routines are so challenging that judges struggle to score them fairly. She’s literally operating on another level.
Gender Bias in Sports Media
The Disparity in Media Coverage
Studies show that male athletes receive up to 90% of sports media coverage. Female athletes? Barely a fraction. This media gap means female achievements often fly under the radar.
Comparisons That Fall Short
Ever noticed how female athletes are often compared to other women, but male athletes are compared to everyone? That’s a subtle yet powerful form of bias. Simone Biles shouldn’t just be the greatest female gymnast—she should be considered one of the greatest athletes, period.
The Mental Toll of Being Overlooked
Biles and Mental Health Advocacy
Simone Biles bravely withdrew from events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to prioritize her mental health. Critics called it weakness, but would they have said the same if a male athlete did the same? Doubtful.
Double Standards in Sports
Male athletes are often celebrated for showing vulnerability—think of Michael Phelps and his mental health journey. But when Biles did it? She faced backlash. That’s sexism in action.
How Society Defines Greatness
Strength vs. Skill
Society tends to equate greatness with physical dominance, a trait often linked to male athletes. But greatness is multifaceted. It’s about skill, resilience, and impact—qualities Simone Biles has in abundance.
Cultural Narratives and Gender Roles
Traditional gender roles have long dictated who gets to be seen as strong, fast, or dominant. This narrative sidelines women in discussions about athletic greatness.
The Role of Social Media in Shifting Narratives
Fans Fighting Back
Social media has become a platform for fans to challenge these biases. Hashtags like #GOAT and #SimoneBiles have trended worldwide, highlighting public support for Biles.
Athletes Owning Their Greatness
Biles herself has leaned into the G.O.A.T. title, even wearing a leotard with a bedazzled goat. This is more than fashion—it’s a statement.
Female G.O.A.T.s Across Sports
Serena Williams in Tennis
Serena Williams redefined tennis with her power and resilience. Yet, like Biles, she often gets less credit than her male counterparts.
Megan Rapinoe in Soccer
Megan Rapinoe led the U.S. women’s soccer team to victory while advocating for equal pay—a fight still ongoing.
Katie Ledecky in Swimming
Katie Ledecky has shattered world records in swimming, yet male swimmers often receive more attention.
What Needs to Change?
Equal Media Representation
Media outlets must provide equal coverage for female athletes. Visibility shapes perception, and it’s time women get their fair share.
Changing the Conversation
Fans, commentators, and organizations need to broaden their definition of greatness to include all athletes, regardless of gender.
Institutional Support
Leagues and governing bodies must actively promote and support female athletes, from sponsorships to primetime broadcasts.
Conclusion: Time to Acknowledge True Greatness
Simone Biles has every right to feel the G.O.A.T. debate is sexist—because it is. Her achievements aren’t just record-breaking; they’re history-making. Yet, the recognition she deserves remains incomplete.
It’s time we stop limiting greatness to outdated standards. Biles, and countless other female athletes, embody what it means to be the greatest. Let’s celebrate them accordingly.
FAQs
1. Why does Simone Biles feel the G.O.A.T. debate is sexist?
Simone Biles believes the G.O.A.T. debate is sexist because male athletes are more frequently recognized in these conversations, despite her unmatched accomplishments in gymnastics.
2. How does media bias affect female athletes?
Media bias leads to less coverage and recognition for female athletes, which impacts their sponsorship opportunities and public perception.
3. Who are some other female athletes overlooked in G.O.A.T. discussions?
Athletes like Serena Williams, Katie Ledecky, and Megan Rapinoe are often overlooked compared to their male counterparts.
4. What has Simone Biles done to challenge this bias?
Simone Biles has embraced the G.O.A.T. label, using fashion and social media to assert her place among the greatest athletes.
5. How can society support female athletes better?
By demanding equal media coverage, challenging biased narratives, and supporting policies that promote gender equity in sports.
