Simone Biles praises Dipa Karmakar's 'history breaking' feat

Simone Biles, who has been nominated for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award, praised Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar's fourth-place finish at the Rio Olympics in the women's vaults category, saying, "I do know what she did for the sport was history breaking".

Simone Biles won four gold medals at the Rio Olympics in gymnastics.

Simone Biles, who has been nominated for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award, acknowledged the gravity of Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar's "history-breaking feat" at the Rio Olympics and felt she was "exciting".

Simone said: "I didn't speak to her too much at the Olympics, but I do know what she did for the sport was history breaking. So I know back home she inspired a lot of other little kids, to be just like her, which means a lot. And for us to watch someone break history in the same sport that we do, it's amazing to watch and watch it blossom. She's exciting."

When asked about whether the four-time Olympic gold medalist will ever try Dipa's signature Produnova vault, Simone said: "I think certain people stick to certain things that they want to do, and I don't see that happening in my future."

Simone said that being nominated for the Sportswoman of the Year award along with Allyson Felix (Athletics), Angelique Kerber (Tennis), Katie Ledecky (Swimming), Elaine Thompson (Athletics) and Laura Kenny (Cycling) was an honour for the American.

"It means a lot for me to be picked from the best of the best, because it's not a normal selection. It is everyone that has achieved and accomplished so much in their sport and has made a huge impact, so it is an honour."