Track and field sensation Mondo Duplantis and American gymnastics icon Simone Biles were crowned as the top male and female athletes at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid on Monday.
Duplantis Finally Claims Coveted Sportsman Award
After three consecutive nominations, Mondo Duplantis finally clinched the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year title. Widely regarded as the greatest pole vaulter of all time, the 25-year-old Swede-American achieved the honor following a stellar season that included his second World Indoor Championship gold and a ninth world record-breaking jump in 2024. His Olympic gold medal win in Paris further solidified his dominance.
Duplantis joined an elite group, becoming just the second track-and-field athlete after Usain Bolt (a four-time winner) to secure this accolade.
“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...” said Duplantis.
The pole vault star triumphed over strong contenders including tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz, swimming phenom Léon Marchand, cycling powerhouse Tadej Pogačar, and three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen.
Simone Biles Makes Laureus History with Fourth Sportswoman Award
Simone Biles' incredible return to gymnastics was celebrated with her fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award, placing her alongside Serena Williams as the most decorated woman in this category.
Biles made a sensational comeback at the Paris Olympics, securing three golds and one silver, reaffirming her status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
"I'm so happy to be here in Madrid and to receive my fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award," said Biles.
She edged past an elite list of athletes: Aitana Bonmatí (football), Sifan Hassan, Faith Kipyegon, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (all athletics), and tennis star Aryna Sabalenka.
Comeback of the Year: Rebeca Andrade's Resilience Rewarded
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade was honoured with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award following a remarkable return from three career-threatening ACL injuries. Contemplating retirement at one point, Andrade instead fought her way back to the top, capturing gold in the 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,” Andrade reflected.
She was chosen over a notable list of comeback stories including Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant, American swimmer Caeleb Dressel, Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami, Spanish MotoGP rider Marc Márquez, and Australia’s Ariarne Titmus.
Real Madrid Named World Team of the Year
La Liga giants Real Madrid received the Laureus World Team of the Year Award after a spectacular run that included their 36th La Liga title, a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League triumph, and a dominant win over rivals Barcelona in the Supercopa de España.
The Spanish club also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup in the early part of the 2024–25 season. Their achievements further cemented Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy, making him the most decorated coach in Madrid’s illustrious history.
Rafael Nadal Honoured as Sporting Icon
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal was presented the Laureus Sporting Icon Award during a year that marked his retirement from professional tennis.
"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..." Nadal shared emotionally.
India's Rishabh Pant failed to win Comeback of the year award despite the nomination. The news broke Indian fans as the wicket-keeper batter could have very well be the first cricketer to win this.