The two have a combined five gold medals at these Games and could finish with nine between them
By Nick Zaccardi ••
Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky met for the first time in 2015, when they were nominees for the same award. Neither won.
Biles and Ledecky, who have a combined five gold medals at these Games and could finish with nine between them, came to New York City in April 2015 for the Sullivan Award ceremony.
The award goes to the most outstanding amateur athlete in the U.S. Past winners include Michael Phelps, Michelle Kwan and Tim Tebow.
Biles and Ledecky were nominated for their 2014 performances — Ledecky winning five gold medals at the Pan Pacific Championships and Biles winning a second straight world all-around title.
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The USA Basketball Men's National Team celebrates after winning the Gold Medal Game against Serbia on Day 16 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1 on Aug. 21, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Ashton Eaton of the United States celebrates winning gold overall after the Men's Decathlon 1500m on Day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medallists USA's guard Lindsay Whalen, USA's guard Sue Bird, USA's forward Seimone Augustus, USA's forward Maya Moore, USA's power forward Breanna Stewart, USA's small forward Angel Mccoughtry, USA's forward Tamika Catchings, USA's small forward Elena Delle Donne, USA's guard Diana Taurasi, USA's centre Sylvia Fowles, USA's centre Tina Charles and USA's centre Brittney Griner pose after the final of the Women's basketball competition at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 20, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Bronze medallist USA's David Boudia poses during the podium ceremony of the Men's 10m Platform final during the diving event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 20, 2016.
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Bronze medalists Sharif Sharifov of Azerbaijan (L) and J'den Michael Tbory Cox of the United States pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Freestyle 86kg Wrestling on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2 on Aug. 20, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalist, Dalilah Muhammad of the United States, poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Hurdles on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Ashley Spencer of the United States, poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Hurdles on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's gold medallist team poses on the podium after the women's water polo final against Italy at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 19, 2016.
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Connor Fields celebrates with his gold medal after winning the Men's BMX Final on day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic BMX Centre on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalist Alise Post of the United States celebrates during the Women's BMX Final on day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic BMX Centre on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Bronze medallist USA's Kristi Castlin, gold medallist USA's Brianna Rollins and silver medallist USA's Nia Ali celebrate after the Women's 100m Hurdles Final during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 17, 2016.
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(L-R) Silver medalist, Joe Kovacs of the United States, gold medalist, Ryan Crouser of the United States, and bronze medalist, Tomas Walsh of New Zealand, pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men s Shot Put Final on Day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalist, Tianna Bartoletta of the United States, poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's long jump on day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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United States' Joe Kovacs holds his silver medal for the shot put during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 18, 2016.
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Silver medalist, Brittney Reese poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's long jump on day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Kerron Clement of USA with his gold medal after he won the men's 400m hurdles final in the Olympic Stadium, Maracanã, during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Jennifer Simpson poses during the podium ceremony for the women's 1500m of the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 17, 2016.
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Bronze medalist Sam Kendricks of USA poses during the medal ceremony for the Men's Pole Vault on day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 16, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's bronze medallists, April Ross (right) and Kerri Walsh Jennings, celebrate on the podium at the end of the women's beach volleyball event at the Beach Volley Arena in Rio de Janeiro late on August 17, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Gold medalist Michelle Carter of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's Shot Putnon Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Silver medalists Lucy Davis of United States riding Barron, Kent Farrington of the United States riding Voyeur, McLain Ward of United States riding Azur and Elizabeth Madden of United States riding Cortes'c' celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Jumping Team competition on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Equestrian Centre on Aug. 17, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalist Evan Jager of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Men's 3000m Steeplechase Final on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 17, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Emma Coburn catches an American flag from a fan after the women's 3000-meter steeplechase on Aug. 15, 2016. Coburn won the bronze medal.
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Silver medallist USA's Allyson Felix poses on the podium for the women's 400 meter during the athletics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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Silver medallist USA's Tori Bowie poses on the podium for women's 100m Final at the athletics during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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USA's Matt Kuchar poses for a selfie with USA's Bubba Watson after winning the Bronze in the men's individual stroke play final day at the Olympic Golf course during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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Silver medalist Genevra Stone of the United States celebrates after the medal ceremony for the Women's Single Sculls on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Lagoa Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Will Claye celebrates winning the silver in the Men's Triple Jump Final during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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USA's gold medallists Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the mixed doubles tennis event at the Olympic Tennis Centre of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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Bronze medalist, Ibtihaj Muhammad of the United States celebrates on the podium during the women's sabre team bronze medal match between United States and Italy on day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 3 on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medallist USA's Sam Kendricks attends the medal ceremony for the men's pole vault during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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USA's Nico Miguel Hernandez poses with his medal after winning in the boxing matches in the Rio Olympics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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Silver medalist Simone Manuel of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 50m Freestyle Final on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medallist the USA's Clayton Murphy celebrates on the podium for the men's 800 meter during the athletics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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Gold medalist Michelle Carter of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's Shot Put on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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US Allison M. Brock, US Laura Graves, US Kasey Perry-Glass and US Steffen Peters salute the crowd on the podium after winning the bronze medal of the Equestrian Dressage team competition of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016.
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Sarah Hammer, Kelly Catlin, Chloe Dygert, Jennifer Valente get silver medals for the women's team pursuit finals in track cycling at the Rio Olympic Velodrome.
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Gold medallists USA's Katelin Snyder, USA's Kerry Simmonds, USA's Emily Regan, USA's Amanda Polk, USA's Eleanor Logan, USA's Lauren Schmetterling, USA's Amanda Elmore, USA's Meghan Musnicki and USA's Tessa Gobbo celebrate on the podium of the Women's Eight final rowing competition at the Lagoa stadium during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 13, 2016.
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Caleb Paine of the United States celebrates winning the bronze medal in the Finn class on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Marina da Gloria on Aug. 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 12: (L-R) Bronze medalists Miles Chamley-Watson, Race Imboden, Gerek Meinhardt and Alexander Massialas stand on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Team Foil event on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 3 on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Judoka Kayla Harrison of the United States poses for a photo with her gold medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Judoka, Travis Stevens of the United States poses for a photo with his silver medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Bronze medalists Steve Johnson and Jack Sock of the United States stand on the podium after the Men's Doubles competition on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Tennis Centre on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Kim Rhode of the United States smiles during the medal ceremony for the Skeet event on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Virginia Thrasher of the United States waves after winning the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Women's Finals on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Swimmer David Plummer of the United States poses for a photo with his bronze medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalists Alexandra Raisman, Madison Kocian, Lauren Hernandez, Gabrielle Douglas and Simone Biles of the United States pose for photographs with their medals for the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's silver medal winner Daryl Homer poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the mens individual sabre fencing event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 10, 2016.
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Swimmer Dana Vollner of the United States poses for a photo with her bronze and silver medals on the NBC Today show set at Copacabana Beach on Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalists Townley Haas, Conor Dwyer, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps of the United States celebrate during the medal presentation for the Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Diver, Sam Dorman of the United States poses for a photo with his silver medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Lilly King wrapped in her national flag poses with her gold medal on the podium after she won the Women's 100m Breaststroke Final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 8, 2016.
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Gold medalist Kristin Armstrong of the United States shows her emotion on the podium at the medal ceremony for the Cycling Road Women's Individual Time Trial on Day 5 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Pontal on Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalist Katie Ledecky of the United States poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 200m Freestyle Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Diver David Boudia of the United States poses for a photo with his silver medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps from the United States of America kisses his medal during the awarding ceremony of the swimming final of men's 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 7, 2016. The United States won the gold medal with 3 minutes 9.92 seconds.
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Bronze medallist Phillip Dutton of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the eventing team Individual final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Equestrian Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's gold medallist Virginia Thrasher celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 10m air rifle shooting event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 6, 2016.
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Silver medalist Maya Dirado of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Final of the Women's 400m Individual Medley on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Swimmer, Townley Haas of the United States poses for a photo with his gold medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalist Alexander Massialas of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Individual Foil Finals on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 3 on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Dana Vollmer poses on the podium after she won bronze in the Women's 100m Butterfly Final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 7, 2016.
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Gold medalist Katie Ledecky of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Freestyle Final on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Cody Miller of the United States poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's 100m Breaststroke Final on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalists David Boudia and Steele Johnson of the United States pose during the medal ceremony for the Men's Diving Synchronised 10m Platform Final on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre on Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Leah Smith of the United States poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Freestyle Final on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalists Nathan Adrian, Ryan Held, Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressell of the United States pose on the podium during Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Kathleen Baker poses with her silver medal on the podium of the Women's 100m Backstroke during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 8, 2016.
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USA's Ryan Murphy (right) poses on the podium with bronze medallist USA's David Plummer after he won the Men's 100m Backstroke Final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 8, 2016.
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Bronze medallist Katie Meili of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke Final on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Silver medalist, South Africa's Chad Guy Bertrand le Clos, Gold medalist, China's Yang Sun and Bronze medalist Conor Dwyer of the USA at an award ceremony for the men's 200m freestyle event at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at Olympic Aquatics Stadium.
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Silver medalist Chase Kalisz of the United States during the medal ceremony for the Final of the Men's 400m Individual Medley on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Corey Cogdell of the United States smiles on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Womens Trap event during the shooting competition on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Brady Ellison, Zach Garrett and Jake Kaminski of the United States celebrate with their Silver Medals after finishing second during the Men's Team Final match on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Sambodromo on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
But the award went to the then-Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott.
“Ezekiel truly epitomizes what the AAU Sullivan Award is all about — leadership and excellence both on and off the field,” AAU President Dr. Roger Goudy said in a press release then.
Biles is from Texas. Ledecky from Maryland. Both 19, the two woman were born three days apart. They each made the New York trip during the middle of their seasons, got dressed up and did media appearances before the ceremony that ended up crowning Elliott, but honoring all nominees.
Biles’ coach, Aimee Boorman, jokes about it now.
“We were like, what, seriously, all right whatever,” Boorman said with a laugh and a smile and no disrespect Friday morning.
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Unites States' Katie Ledecky competes in the women's 800-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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United States' Michael Phelps reacts after placing second in the men's 100-meter butterfly final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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United States' Maya DiRado celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women's 200-meter backstroke final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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April Ross of the United States in action during the Women's Round of 16 match against Marta Menegatti and Laura Giombini of Italy on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Ruslan Dmytrenko of Ukraine competes in the Men's 20km Race Walk on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Demar DeRozan of United States goes up for a shot against Nikola Kalinic of Serbia in the Men's Preliminary Round Group A match on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1 on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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An overview shows USA's forward Draymond Green and Serbia's centre Miroslav Raduljica go for a rebound during a Men's round Group A basketball match between USA and Serbia at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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USA's centre DeMarcus Cousins and Serbia's shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic go for the ball during a Men's round Group A basketball match between USA and Serbia at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Carmelo Anthony takes a shot over Serbia's forward Marko Simonovic during a Men's round Group A basketball match between USA and Serbia at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Canada's forward Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe (2nd L) and USA's center Tina Charles (C) go for a rebound during a Women's round Group B basketball match between Canada and USA at the Youth Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Tamika Catchings of United States grabs a loose ball against Tamara Tatham and Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe of Canada during the women's basketball game on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Youth Arena on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Alexey Cheremisinov of Russia and Timur Safin of Russia celebrate after defeating the United States in a Men's Foil Team Semifinal bout on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 3 on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Cleopatra Borel of Trinidad and Tobago competes in the Women's Shot Put qualification on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Nilla Fischer of Sweden battles for the ball against Alex Morgan of United States in the first half during the Women's Football Quarterfinal match at Mane Garrincha Stadium on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Brasilia, Brazil.
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Carli Lloyd of United States reacts during the Women's Football Quarterfinal match at Mane Garrincha Stadium on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Brasilia, Brazil.
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Sweden forward Stina Blackstenius (L) kicks to score marked by US' defender Whitney Engen, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quarter-finals women's football match USA vs Sweden, at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Aug. 12, 2016.
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A general view during the Women's 10,000 Meters Final on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Competitors shoot during the 50m rifle prone Men's Finals at the Olympic Shooting Centre in Rio de Janeiro on August 12, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Sandro Sukno #9 of Croatia shoots on goal in front of Alessandro Nora #7 of Italy on day 7 during the preliminary round group match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Britain's Jessica Ennis-Hill celebrates in the women's heptathlon high jump during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016.
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New Zealand's Valerie Adams competes in the women's shot put qualifying round during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016.
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Carli Lloyd #10 of United States controls the ball against Elin Rubensson #16 of Sweden in the first half during the women's football quarterfinal match on day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Brasilia, Brazil.
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Andy Murray of Great Britain returns a forehand against Steve Johnson of the United States in the men's singles quarterfinal on day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Japan's Naoko Ishihara competes during the qualifications Skeet Women's final on Aug. 12, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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VU Thi Trang of Vietnam competes in the badminton women's single on day 7 of the 2016 Rio Olympics on Aug. 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia celebrates winning the women's 10000 meters final on day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Heather Miller-Koch of the United States competes in women's heptathlon 100 meter hurdles on day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Vadzim Lialin, Dzianis Mihal, Mikalai Sharlap and Ihar Pashevich of Belarus react after the men's four final B on day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Andrew Evans of the United States competes in the men's discus on day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Brazil's Adriana Araujo (L) receives a punch from Finland's Mira Potkonen during the women's light (57-60kg) match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016.
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Netherlands' Maaike Head (R) is congratulated after the podium of the LWT women's double sculls final rowing competition during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016.
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Russia's Alexey Cheremisinov celebrates after winning the mens team foil quarter-final bout between Russia and Great Britain as part of the fencing event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro.
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Alex Cejka of Germany watches his approach shot on the second hole during the second round of golf on day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China competes against Lee Chun Hei and Chau Hoi WahReginald of Hong Kong in the badminton mixed doubles on day 7 of the 2016 Rio Olympics on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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South Korea's Kim Hyunji falls during the women's field hockey South Korea vs China match of the Rio 2016 Olympics Games on Aug. 12, 2016.
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Hisayoshi Harasawa of Japan competes against Adam Okruashvilli of Georgia during the men's +100kg judo contest on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Biles said she and Ledecky exchanged little more than polite greetings at that first meeting.
“Everyone’s pretty shy, even though you’re at the same place for the same reason,” Biles said. “So we barely talked, but then we saw each other in L.A. [at pre-Olympic media shoots], and that’s when we started talking.”
Congratulations, good luck at your next meet, stuff like that.
Then on June 11, the 4-foot-9 Biles actually mounted a swimming starting block at an indoor pool, had it filmed and tweeted it at Ledecky.
Ledecky has tweeted 747 times, including about once every 12 days in the last year. Biles has tweeted more than 7,250 times.
On Biles’ first day in Rio, she saw Ledecky in the athletes’ village, ran up and hugged her.
“Simone’s kind of animated,” Boorman said. “Katie’s kind of chill.”
Asked if she could compare anything about the athletes’ accomplishments, Boorman remembered walking behind two male and two female swimmers the other day. They were discussing how hard it was for the male swimmer to train with Ledecky, who has been known to beat men in practice.
Then the male swimmer asked how Ledecky will fare if she swims at Stanford starting next year. Ledecky has not turned pro, so she is still eligible for NCAA competition.
“I don’t know, because she needs to train with the guys just to have someone to push her, someone to challenge her,” Boorman remembered the female swimmer saying.
“So that says how dominant she is,” Boorman continued. “It’s funny, because I’ve heard male gymnasts talk about Simone that way. They get upset that she can tumble and vault better than they can.”
Ledecky will end her Olympics on Thursday night as an overwhelming favorite in the 800-meter freestyle. If she wins, she will become the third U.S. woman to win four gold medals at a single Olympics, joining Missy Franklin and Amy Van Dyken.
Biles gets Friday and Saturday off before returning for apparatus finals Sunday (vault), Monday (balance beam) and Tuesday (floor exercise). If she sweeps them, she will surpass Ledecky, Franklin and Van Dyken with five golds.
Some of Phelps' faces.
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Michael Phelps thanks the crowd after winning gold in the men's 4 x 100m medley relay final on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Phelps said this was his last race before retiring. With 23 gold medals, Phelps it the most decorated Olympian in history. To put this in perspective, no other Olympian has more than nine golds. With 28 medals in all, Phelps is 10 clear of anyone else.
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Michael Phelps, Francis Haas, Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer of Team USA celebrate winning the gold medal during the medal ceremony of the men's 200m freestyle relay on day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Aug. 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps prepares in the second semifinal of the men's 200m butterfly on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Before his 200-meter butterfly semifinal, Michael Phelps sat stone-faced with his hood up. Right in front of him, his rival, South Africa's Chad le Clos, was shadowboxing.
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Cody Miller, Michael Phelps and Ryan Murphy celebrate winning gold in the men's 4 x 100m medley relay final on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps competes in the first semifinal of the men's 100m butterfly on Day 6 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Aug. 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalists Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller, Michael Phelps and Nathan Adrian of the United States pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay final on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. "It turned out pretty cool," said Phelps, standing atop the Olympic medal podium for the 23rd time. "It's just a perfect way to finish."
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Gold medalists Nathan Adrian, Michael Phelps, Ryan Murphy and Cody Miller of the United States thank the crowd during the medal ceremony for the men's 4 x 100m medley relay final on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was the last day of swimming competitions in Rio.
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Phelps competes in the first semifinal of the men's 100m butterfly on Day 6 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Joint silver medalists, Michael Phelps of United States, Chad Guy Bertrand le Clos of South Africa and gold medalist Joseph Schooling of Singapore celebrate on the podium during the medals ceremony in the men's 100m butterfly final, Aug. 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Singapore’s Joseph Schooling defeated Phelps in the race, winning Singapore's first gold medal.
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Michael Phelps after placing third in a heat of the men's 200-meter butterfly during the swimming competitions in Rio, Aug. 8, 2016.
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Michael Phelps becomes emotional during the medal ceremony after he won gold-- his fourth gold medal at Rio Games-- in the men's 200m individual medley final on Day 6 of the Summers Games on Aug. 11, 2016 in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. "Winning four in a row, when the announcer said that I had a really hard time holding it together, it’s obviously a very emotional event for me and something that, you know, it’s very special," Phelp said after the race.
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Michael Phelps celebrates after the men's 200m butterfly final of swimming at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 9, 2016. He won the gold medal with 1 minute 53.36 seconds.
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Michael Phelps celebrates as his team wins the gold medal in the men's 4x100-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions, Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Ryan Held and Michael Phelps celebrate in the medal ceremony after winning the gold medal in the men's 4 x 100m freestyle relay on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Aug. 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps celebrates winning his gold medal in the men's 200-meter butterfly with his fiancee Nicole Johnson and baby Boomer during the Olympic swimming competitions, Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps encourages his teammates in the final of the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps celebrates winning gold in the men's 200m butterfly final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps celebrates winning gold in the men's 200m butterfly final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps battles to the line with Ryan Lochte after the final men's 200m individual medley at Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 11, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps is congratulated by a member of the Japanese team after winning gold in the Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps prepares in the second semifinal of the men's 200m butterfly on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 8, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps and his teammate celebrate during the swimming final of men's 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 7, 2016. The United States won the gold medal with 3 minutes 9.92 seconds.
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Flag bearer Michael Phelps leads the U.S. Olympic Team during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium on Aug. 5, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As impressive as that would be, Biles looks at what Ledecky does and gives a look of dread.
