Usain Bolt wins Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
World's fastest man Usain Bolt received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a record-equalling fourth time, at the Laureus awards ceremony in Monaco. In the women's category, American gymnast Simone Biles received the honour as the Sportswoman of the Year. Olympian Michael Phelps won 'Laureus World Comeback of the Year' and F1 champion Nico Rosberg was named 'Breakthrough of the Year'.
What are the Laureus awards?
Laureus World Sports Awards are presented to honour the greatest sporting achievement every year. The first Laureus Awards ceremony was held in May 2000. To find the winners, nominations panel which includes the world's top sports editors, writers, and broadcasters, vote to create a shortlist of six nominations in five categories. The members of Laureus Academy select the winner by voting.
Award categories
Laureus Awards categories include Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, Comeback of the Year, Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year, and Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
2016 awardees, most winners of Sportsperson of the Year
2016 Sportsman and woman of the Year was won by Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams respectively. Roger Federer (4) and Serena (3) won this award the most times in men's and women's category. 2016 Team of the Year was won by New Zealand Rugby union team, Breakthrough award went to Jordan Spieth (Golf) and Comeback award was won by Dan Carter (Rugby).
Nominees for Sportsman/woman of the Year
In the Laureus Sportsman of the Year category, Usain Bolt (Athletics), Stephen Curry (Basketball), Mo Farah (Athletics), LeBron James (Basketball), Andy Murray (Tennis), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) have been nominated. Simone Biles (Gymnastics), Allyson Felix (Athletics), Angelique Kerber (Tennis), Katie Ledecky (Swimming), Elaine Thompson (Athletics), and Laura Kenny (Cycling) are nominated for Laureus Sportswoman of the year.
Team, Breakthrough awards nominees
Team of the Year nominees - Chicago Cubs (Baseball), Cleveland Cavaliers (basketball), Mercedes AMG Petronas (F1 racing), Portugal Men's football team, Brazil Men's Olympic football team, and Real Madrid football team. Breakthrough nominees - Nico Rosberg (F1 racing), Leicester City football club, Iceland Men's football team, Fiji Men's Rugby Sevens team, Almaz Ayana (Athletics), and Wayde Van Niekerk (Athletics).
Comeback award nominees
Ruth Beitia (Athletics), Michael Phelps (Swimming), Juan Martin Del Potro (Tennis), Fabienne St Louis (Triathlon), Nick Skelton (Equestrian), and Aksel Lund Svindal (Skiing), are in contention for Laureus World Comeback of the Year.
Other winners
Chicago Cubs - Team of the Year; Rachel Atherton - Action Sportsperson of the Year; Beatrice Vio - Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability; Refugee Olympic team - Sporting Inspiration Award; Leicester City FC - Spirit of Sport Award; Barcelona U12s- Best Sporting Moment.
