(WKRC/CNN Newsource) - On the same day that gymnast Simone Biles was named one of Time magazine's most influential people of 2021, she was speaking out against a system of injustice. Biles spent Wednesday testifying before Congress about how the U.S. justice system failed to stop former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar from sexually abusing her and others.
As Time unveiled its list of the 100 most influential people on Wednesday, the 24-year-old Biles was providing heartbreaking testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee about how officials failed her and others. She and fellow gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Railman spoke powerfully of their experiences with Nassar and the investigation into his abuse.
Biles won bronze during the balance beam final at the Olympics in August, a week after she took herself out of several competitions to focus on her mental health. Biles earned her seventh career Olympic medal — tied with Shannon Miller for the most by an American in gymnastics.
“I wouldn’t change anything for the world,” said Biles, who left Japan with a silver medal from the team competition and an individual bronze on balance beam. “I gave an outlet for athletes to speak up about their mental health and their well-being and learn that you can put yourself (as a person) first before the athlete.”
It's a message that will be part of the post-Olympic Gold Over America Tour Biles is headlining this fall. The 35-city exhibition, which kicks off in Tucson, Arizona, on Sept. 21, will incorporate gymnastics and dance elements but also feature a segment led by former UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi on the importance of taking care of yourself mentally.
Time magazine named the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, to the list as well. They grace one of seven different covers for the upcoming issue.
The royal couple made headlines and sparked debate throughout this year. In February it was announced they would no longer be working members of the British royal family. Then in March the couple sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a highly-anticipated interview where they criticized Britain's royal institution.
But the year was not all controversy. In June, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter they named Lilibet Diana.
The issue features a slew of celebrities, politicians and public figures.
Those featured on this year's covers also include actor Kate Winslet, singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, director-general of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, CEO of Nvidia Jensen Huang and writer Cathy Park Hong.
At 78, President Joe Biden is the oldest person named.
Some information courtesy The Associated Press