The prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony, held recently in Madrid, honored some of the world's top athletes. Star pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis was celebrated as the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, marking his first victory in this category after multiple nominations. Alongside him, iconic American gymnast Simone Biles was recognized as the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time, tying the record with Serena Williams. Real Madrid was awarded the Laureus World Team of the Year for their remarkable achievements in European football. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade took home the Laureus World Comeback of the Year, showcasing incredible resilience. Other notable winners included Rafael Nadal, Lamine Yamal, Tom Pidcock, and Kelly Slater in various prestigious categories. These awards not only celebrate athletic excellence but also highlight inspiring stories of talent and perseverance across global sports.
At the distinguished Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony held in Madrid, star pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis was honored as the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, while pioneering American gymnast Simone Biles received the top accolade for women. Duplantis, 25, celebrated his first win after four nominations, becoming only the second track and field athlete to receive the prize, following the legendary Usain Bolt.
Duplantis, hailed as the greatest pole vaulter of his era, shattered his own world record for the ninth time in 2024 en route to securing the Olympic gold in Paris. This triumph was among his many stellar achievements, including a gold medal at the World Indoor Championships in March. His remarkable feats earned him more votes than other elite athletes, including tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz from Spain, swimming prodigy Léon Marchand of France, versatile cyclist Tadej Pogacar from Slovenia, and dominant motor racer Max Verstappen from the Netherlands.
Expressing his gratitude, Duplantis remarked, "I am incredibly honoured to have won my first Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in the sporting capital of Madrid and to have the great Usain Bolt pay tribute to me..."
Simone Biles, following a brief hiatus from competition, made a triumphant return by securing three golds and a silver at the Paris Olympics, marking a sensational comeback. Her exceptional achievements earned her the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award for the fourth time, a record she now shares with tennis legend Serena Williams. Biles outshined formidable contenders such as Spain's football star Aitana Bonmatí, Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, U.S. track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and tennis pro Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
During the event, Biles expressed, "I'm so happy to be here in Madrid and to receive my fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award."
The Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award went to Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, celebrating her outstanding return from multiple career-threatening ACL injuries. Andrade's perseverance was rewarded with a gold medal in the floor exercise at the Paris Games. Overcoming challenges, she remarked, "This beautiful Laureus Statuette represents a huge amount of hard work, of struggle and pain, and also great happiness."
In team sports, Real Madrid was acknowledged as the Laureus World Team of the Year following an extraordinary season, capturing La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Supercopa de España. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, the team also triumphed in the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, making him the most decorated manager in the club's storied history.
Rafael Nadal received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award. Reflecting on his illustrious career, Nadal, who announced his retirement from professional tennis, shared, "Back in 2006 I won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award in Barcelona... Tennis and sports in general has given me so much..."
Acclaimed British cyclist Tom Pidcock was honored with the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award following a dramatic Olympic mountain bike cross country gold, joining the ranks of previous British cycling laureates.
Dominating in parasports, swim star Jiang Yuyan clinched the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award after earning a spectacular seven gold medals at her events.
Rising football talent Lamine Yamal was named the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year for his record-breaking performance in the European Championship, where he emerged as the youngest player to score and participate in the final, earning him the Best Young Player accolade.
Finally, surfing legend Kelly Slater was bestowed with the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled accomplishments, including four Laureus World Action Sportsperson Awards and 11 World Surf League titles.
**Laureus Awards Winners**:
- **Laureus World Sportsman of the Year**: Mondo Duplantis
- **Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year**: Simone Biles
- **Laureus World Team of the Year**: Real Madrid
- **Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year**: Lamine Yamal
- **Laureus World Comeback of the Year**: Rebeca Andrade
- **Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability**: Jiang Yuyan
- **Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year**: Tom Pidcock
- **Laureus Sport for Good Award**: Kick4Life
- **Laureus Sporting Icon Award**: Rafael Nadal
- **Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award**: Kelly Slater
