Serena Williams, who last night received SI's Sportsperson of the Year at an event in N.Y., took a humorous shot at the large social media outcry this week arguing Triple Crown winner American Pharoah should have won the the award instead of her. "I’ve lived through tragedies, injuries, controversies and ... horses," she said. "I’ve lived through it all." Williams received the award from her sisters Venus, Isha, Lyndrea and mother Oracene, refusing other suggestions of potential presenters. She quoted Maya Angelou’s poem "Still I Rise" in her acceptance remarks and credited Venus for fueling her own success. "Growing up in the shadow of Venus wasn’t easy," Serena said. "She gave me that inspiration to work really hard, and it’s rare to have two people in sports who motivate each other quite like this" (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer).
THE RIGHT CHOICE: In California, Steve Fryer writes SI made a "great choice" with Williams, as she "had a tremendous 2015, going 53-3 and winning the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon." Williams "represents her sport in the best way, with a graceful on-court demeanor and charm and thoughtfulness in post-match interviews" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 12/16).
COVER STORY: USA TODAY's Nick McCarvel writes Williams in SI's magazine cover "is perched on a grandiose throne, clearly tennis' queen." Williams: "I liked the idea of the throne. I said, 'Listen, this needs to be something that no one forgets, something iconic!' I wanted it to be really special ... really Serena. When we went with that, I loved it" (USA TODAY, 12/16). But in Tampa, Tom Jones writes, "When you see the cover, you can't help but wonder if more harm than good was done for women still hoping to be taken seriously as athletes in the 21st century." The photo feeds the idea that female athletes "are seen as women first and athletes second." Jones: "You look at the cover and immediately wonder if a man would be posed the same way. ... What a shame that even good intentions were lost because of one image." The cover "implies that women have to look sexy in order for us to pay attention, that women have to have more going for them than just being really good at their sport" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 12/16).
