Simone Biles and Ilona Maher basked in the glow of their collective triumphs at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, as female excellence took centre stage during the 2025 ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) ceremony on Wednesday, 16 July.
Biles, often referred to as the “G.O.A.T” by her fans, won two awards – Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete – Women’s Sports – for her sensational return to the Olympic stage at Paris 2024, where she won a second individual all-around title and aided Team USA’s efforts to bring home team gold in women’s artistic gymnastics.
The 11-time Olympic medallist reacted with shock after claiming the award for Best Championship Performance, noting the category’s gender imbalance in favour of male athletes.
“That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,” stated the American superstar, who thanked her teammates, competitors, coaches and fans for their continued support throughout her career.
“Six-year-old me, who first started tumbling on my parents’ sofa in the living room, is floored to be standing before you right now,” added Biles. “For all the young aspiring athletes, coaches, trainers, doctors, mental health professionals, or whatever path you may choose in life, I encourage you to follow your heart, pursue your dreams and believe in yourself every step of the way, as anything is possible.”
Her remarks were echoed by rugby star Ilona Maher, who claimed the award for Best Breakthrough Athlete after a year punctuated by a bronze medal in the women’s rugby sevens competition at Paris 2024.
“It’s taken me seven years and two Olympics, but I finally broke through,” joked Maher, whose quality was already well-known amongst rugby fans long before her success at Paris 2024.
“My message stays the same: strong is beautiful, strong is powerful. Sexy is whatever you want it to be, and I hope more girls can feel how I feel.”
Her words resonated with many of the athletes in the crowd, earning her an enthusiastic reception.
Of course, no team sport athlete would be capable of such success without the support of their teammates, and Maher made sure to thank them as well.
“I know it’s just me up here, but I’m a team sport athlete through and through, and my teammates are the reason I am who I am,” asserted the Olympic bronze medallist. “I love them so much. They truly are the reason I’m up here on this stage.”