Serena Williams Hands American Pharoah Second Loss of Year, Wins Sportsperson of the Year Award

Serena Williams has been named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year. Williams beat out such sportspeople as American Pharoah, a horse, and the Kansas City Royals, a group of people. In an online poll, Pharoah, was the overwhelming winner in the eyes of the fans. Thus, many people were upset that Pharoah, a horse, did not win the right to be on the cover of the latest issue of Sports Illustrated.

Personally, I was rooting for Keen Ice, the horse that beat American Pharoah at the Travers in Saratoga in August. And what better place to look for perspective on Pharoah’s loss than the Travers. Here’s what trainer Bob Baffert had to say about Pharoah after that race. Via the New York Times:

"“He was valiant in defeat,” Baffert said Sunday. “If he would have stopped running and finished fifth or sixth, you would have scraped me off the track. I would have been so mad at myself. You begin to feel like they’re invincible, and you forget they all get beat.”"

Yes. Hopefully, Pharoah keeps his head held high and remains valiant. He had a tremendous year even if he doesn’t have a fancy award to set on his mantel this holiday season. Hopefully, he doesn’t lash out on social media like some of his fans.