The sports world came together in Madrid as the Laureus Academy handed out its top awards. Pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis and gymnast Simone Biles took home the top honors as Athletes of the Year. Duplantis, the world record holder, beat out tough competition like Carlos Alcaraz, Tadej Pogacar, and Max Verstappen. Biles shone with her three Olympic gold medals and one silver at the Paris 2024 Games.
Stars Shine on the Red Carpet
The ceremony was a star-studded event. Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were on hand, beaming with smiles. Nadal, who retired last year, received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award. American skier Lindsey Vonn hosted the show. She won the Laureus Athlete of the Year award back in 2011 and received the Spirit of Sport award eight years later. Vonn made headlines with her unexpected return to competition at 40, taking the podium in Idaho.
Surfing legend Kelly Slater was honored with the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award. The 11-time world champion, 52, recently notched his 100th win on the world circuit. Slater’s achievement capped off an incredible career.
Team Glory and Inspirational Comebacks
The Real Madrid football team was named Team of the Year after their impressive haul: the 15th Champions League title, LaLiga, and the Spanish Super Cup. Ruud Gullit presented the award.
Rebeca Andrade, a Brazilian gymnast, won the Comeback of the Year award. She overcame three knee surgeries to return to the top. Andrade’s emotional speech highlighted the hard work and pain she endured. She also praised her fellow gymnast and rival, Simone Biles, saying their competition made their friendship stronger.
Andrade’s words resonated with many. “This beautiful Laureus statue represents a lot of hard work, struggle, and pain, but also great happiness and one of my fondest memories – standing on the Olympic podium again.”
The night was filled with moments like these, celebrating the best in sports. Other notable winners included:
- Lamine Yamal – Breakthrough of the Year
- Jiang Yuyan – Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
- Tom Pidcock – Action Sportsperson of the Year
- Kick4Life – Sport for Good Award
The Laureus World Sports Awards continue to recognize and celebrate excellence in sports, inspiring athletes and fans around the world.
