“The Meeting of GOATs” — that’s what social media called it when the Indiana Fever locker room was graced by some of the biggest names in women’s sports. Just after Caitlin Clark broke the WNBA rookie three-point record in a game against the Connecticut Sun, she was greeted by none other than Simone Biles. The two shared a celebratory photo that quickly went viral. But nearly a year later, as Clark and Biles once again appear in pictures side by side, fans aren’t so quick to celebrate. Why?

Biles later posted the photo to Instagram with a message that felt like more than just support—it was a statement: “EVERYONE WATCHES WOMENS SPORTS. So happy to be able to go support! My first of many WNBA games.” Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas was there too, adding nothing but greatness to this room.

Jump to June 2025, and the conversation around the term ‘GOAT’ has taken a new turn. A viral post from the sports platform Overtime posed a bold question: “Who’s on the Mt. Rushmore of female athletes?” The options? Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Katie Ledecky… and Caitlin Clark. And suddenly, the photo from that Fever locker room didn’t look so unanimous anymore. The reason? The fans had a different take on the matter.

One comment under the post read: “Zero chance Caitlin Clark is even remotely in the same breath of the conversations as the other three in this picture. ESPECIALLY Simone Biles.” So, why such a strong reaction? Well, Simone Biles has an unmatched legacy — a total of 11 Olympic medals, including 7 golds. After the 2024 Games, she officially became the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history. Beyond the Olympics, her dominance continues with 30 World Championship medals, 23 of them gold, making her the most decorated gymnast at the World level as well.

On the other hand, Caitlin Clark is just starting her professional journey, though it’s already been nothing short of spectacular. She earned Time’s Athlete of the Year award and shattered records in her rookie WNBA season, posting 769 points, 337 assists, and 122 three-pointers — all new benchmarks for a rookie. Her impact has fueled a major cultural shift in women’s sports, setting the stage for what’s likely to be a transformative career. But for many, the gap in Olympic and championship-level accolades still draws a line between the two, for now.

Caitlin Clark has yet to make an appearance in any Olympic Games, while Simone Biles has competed in three. Since the Indiana Fever selected Clark with the No. 1 overall pick, the team has shattered league records for TV viewership. Clark’s merchandise ranks among the top-selling across all sports, and every away game feels like a tour stop, with packed arenas welcoming what many call the WNBA’s version of the Beatles. However, despite all the buzz, the Fever still haven’t captured a championship title.

In contrast, Simone Biles boasts an impressive collection of titles, both individually and as part of Team USA. This clear disparity in accolades has led many fans to draw a line between the two athletes when it comes to legacy and accomplishment. Still, that hasn’t stopped more comments from flooding the conversation under the original post.

Simone Biles has a bigger stake in the ownership of the title 

It was a comment that sparked a digital firestorm: “We got Clark in the same convos as Simone biles (?!),”  That single sentence echoed what many fans were feeling—surprise, skepticism, maybe even frustration. And the timing couldn’t have made the contrast sharper. Just weeks earlier, Simone Biles had been crowned Laureus Sportswoman of the Year for her heroic return and golden triumphs at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Was Caitlin Clark’s name even mentioned in the same breath that evening? Not quite.

Another user didn’t hold back: “One of these athletes has never won a major National Championship or a gold medal as a pro! Disrespectful.” It was a direct shot—no need to read between the lines. The target? Clark.

And then came the receipts. Another fan laid out the cold, hard numbers in a viral comment that seemed to draw the line in stone: “Simone Biles: 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals Serena Williams: 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles. 4 Olympic gold medals Katie Ledecky: 9 Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals. Be respectful.” That last line—the “yet”—is doing a lot of heavy lifting. Because here’s the truth: Clark is already one of the most impactful athletes in the world, and she’s only just getting started. Her rookie season didn’t just break records—it broke the mold. From historic scoring numbers to sold-out arenas to becoming the face of an entire league, Caitlin Clark isn’t just playing the game. She’s changing it.

But legacy? Legacy takes time. Simone Biles won Olympic gold at 19, vanished from competition for two years to prioritize her mental health, and then returned to dominate the world again at 27. She’s won everything there is to win—more than once. She’s not just a GOAT; she’s a symbol of resilience, dominance, and evolution in sport.

So, when the question comes—who deserves a place on the Mount Rushmore of women’s sports?—the easy, instinctive answer for many is: “Gotta be Simone right.” And they’re not wrong. She’s climbed that mountain—literally and figuratively. She carved her place in stone with gold.

Caitlin? She’s on the mountain path. And if her rise so far is any sign, she may just chisel out her own spot someday. But for now, the conversation isn’t about removing anyone from the mountain. It’s about watching a new contender approach it—with a nation watching her every step. That’s the beauty of this moment in women’s sports: the torch is not just being passed—it’s being shared.