Simone Soars: Biles named 2019 AP Female Athlete of the Year

AP ^ | 12/26/2019 | WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer

[montag813]

Routines have gotten exponentially more difficult in the decades since Comaneci competed.

All true. Nadia was about artistry, and perfection. Simone et al are about muscles, speed and height. A testament to modern sports medicine.

[dfwgator]

But gymnastics has evolved into a different sport. No longer is “smooth, fluid and graceful” critical to scoring. Instead, it’s strength, athleticism, complexity, and incredible acrobatic feats.

That came with the Chinese gymnasts, once they rose to prominence.

[dfwgator]

Nadia was also only 14 in 1976. Gymnasts tend to be older now.

[MrBambaLaMamba]

Sometimes they get things right.
She deserves the honor, her routines are very difficult and she’s very,very,very good.

https://tinyurl.com/urwwgxd

[JimRed]

She’s black, so of course she’s the “greatest ever.” Yawn

She won based on her PERFORMANCE. Her color is just a bonus or a distraction to those of that mindset.

[Avalon Memories]

Her color is just a bonus or a distraction to those of that mindset.

Mindset has nothing to do with it. Ever hear of affirmative action? That's just one example. In our ever more identity conscious society, we are reminded every day that everything is about "race," a term that now encompasses all ethnicities and at least some languages.

Also, I didn't comment on her win. I commented on the term "greatest ever" and the patronizing way blacks are treated. Can her performance be great without elevating her above all the other greats from years past?

[JimRed]

I misinterpreted your statement to refer to her winning rather than to the comments about her in the article. Sorry.

[Avalon Memories]

No worries. Thanks for letting me know. :)