Biles claims fourth Laureus Award as Duplantis wins first Sportsman of the Year honor
Simone Biles was crowned Sportswoman of the Year at the prestigious Laureus awards ceremony in Madrid on Monday, equaling tennis legend Serena Williams' record of four titles, while pole vault sensation Mondo Duplantis captured his first Sportsman of the Year honor.
Biles' recognition follows her remarkable comeback at the Paris Olympics, where she claimed three gold medals in the team, all-around and vault competitions, plus a silver on floor exercise. The American gymnastics superstar had withdrawn from most events at the Tokyo Games three years earlier to prioritize her mental health.
"I'm so happy to be here in Madrid and to receive my fourth Laureus Award," Biles said. "I won this Award for the first time in 2017 and Laureus has been a part of my story since then. There might be a little girl watching someone like me on television and deciding she can do it, too."
Duplantis, who received his award from last year's winner Novak Djokovic, becomes only the second track-and-field athlete after Usain Bolt to win the men's honor. The Swedish pole vault phenom secured his second consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris, breaking his own world record for the ninth time, before improving it again at the Silesia Diamond League meeting.
"I am incredibly honoured to have won my first Laureus, this is the ultimate award that we athletes want to win. I know because this is the fourth time I have been nominated – and that proves it's harder to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold medal," Duplantis joked.
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade received the Comeback of the Year award following her inspirational journey from career-threatening injuries to Olympic gold in the floor exercise at Paris. Spanish teenage soccer prodigy Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain capture the European Championship, was named Breakthrough of the Year.
Real Madrid secured Team of the Year honors, while tennis icon Rafael Nadal received the Sporting Icon award. Surfing legend Kelly Slater was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award during the ceremony.
The Laureus World Sports Awards nominees are selected by global media, with the 69 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy determining the winners. The prestigious awards have been presented annually since 2000.
SportsLigue