Billie Jean King sent a congratulatory message to Simone Biles for winning the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award.
Biles had an impressive run in 2023 when she returned to gymnastics after the Tokyo Olympics. The American won five medals at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, including four golds.
She beat out several top athletes to be named AP Female Athlete of the Year for the third time. Basketball star Caitlin Clark ranked second in the vote, followed by Spanish soccer star Aitana Bonmatti, who won the World Cup and the Golden Ball. The likes of Mikaela Shiffrin, Coco Gauff, Aja Wilson, Angel Reece and Brianna Stewart were the others nominated for the award.
Billie Jean King congratulated Biles on her win on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Congratulations to Simone_Biles, Female Athlete of the Year 2023.”
King has often praised the athletic achievements of players and coaches on social media platforms. The American recently congratulated Layla Fernandez on winning the Winner of the Heart Award at the Billie Jean King Trophy Finals. She also praised Anhelina Kalinina for winning the Billie Jean King Trophy in the Heart Cup qualifiers.
Billie Jean King won 12 Grand Slam singles titles
