Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles Receive Top Laureus World Sports Awards Honours

Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles were honoured at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Duplantis, a 25-year-old pole vaulter, was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. Biles, an American gymnast, received the top women's honour. This recognition came after Duplantis's fourth nomination and Biles's remarkable comeback at the Paris Olympics.

Duplantis, who is considered one of the greatest in his sport, finally won the award after three previous nominations. He became only the second track-and-field athlete to win this award after Usain Bolt. In 2024, he broke his own world record for the ninth time while securing Olympic gold in Paris.

Laureus World Sports Awards: Key Highlights

Biles made a stunning return to gymnastics, winning three golds and a silver at the Paris Olympics. This achievement earned her a fourth Laureus award, matching Serena Williams's record. Both athletes have also been recognised with a Comeback of the Year honour.

Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade received the Comeback of the Year award. After overcoming three ACL injuries, she triumphed with a gold medal in floor exercise at the Paris Games. "This beautiful Laureus Statuette represents a huge amount of hard work, of struggle and pain, and also great happiness," she expressed.

Real Madrid was named Laureus World Team of the Year following their successful season. They secured their 36th La Liga title and 15th UEFA Champions League trophy. Additionally, they won the Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup early in the 2024-25 season.

Recognising Sporting Excellence

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award as he announced his retirement from professional tennis. Reflecting on his career, Nadal said, "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..."

Tom Pidcock was awarded the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year for his Olympic mountain bike cross-country gold. Despite a puncture setback, he overtook Victor Koretsky to claim victory. Pidcock is now among British cyclists Jamie Bestwick, Rachel Atherton, and Beth Shriver who have won this award.

Paralympic swimmer Jiang Yuyan was honoured with the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award after winning seven gold medals across various events.

Celebrating Young Talent

Lamine Yamal, a teenage football sensation from Spain, received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. He became the youngest player to score and play in a European Championship final and was named Best Young Player of the tournament.

Kelly Slater was awarded the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to surfing. Slater is an 11-time World Surf League champion and has previously won four Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Awards.

The full list of winners includes Mondo Duplantis as Sportsman of the Year and Simone Biles as Sportswoman of the Year. Real Madrid took home Team of the Year honours while Lamine Yamal was recognised for Breakthrough of the Year. Rebeca Andrade's comeback earned her an award too.