Sprint king Usain Bolt pipped the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James to win the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ trophy for the record-equalling fourth time while gymnast Simone Biles clinched the top honour in the women’s category at the Laureus World Awards here.
They are the little and large of sport – while Bolt stands 1.95 metres, Biles measures just 1.45 metres – but they were both giants at the Rio Olympics and enjoyed an ecstatic welcome as they received their statuettes here, the birthplace of the first ever Laureus awards 17 years ago.
Bolt, who won this award in 2009, 2010 and 2013, walked away with the ‘Oscar of Sports’ for the fourth time, joining tennis legends Roger Federer and Serena Williams, and surfer Kelly Slater as four-time Laureus award winner.
Bolt received his award from legendary Michael Johnson, who urged him not to break other people’s records. To which Bolt responded by saying, “I am sorry to have broken your record.”
‘One of the biggest awards’
“Thanks for the wonderful award. Laureus is one of the biggest awards for me. This is my fourth award and to be equalling it with someone like Roger Federer is great. I am in great company. It is special,” he added.
Olympic gymnastics champion Biles notched up the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ trophy, courtesy her brilliant show at the Rio Games, where she finished with four golds and a bronze.
The most decorated Olympian of all-time, Michael Phelps bagged the ‘Comeback of the Year’ award after returning to the swimming pool and scooping five more gold medals.
Formula One champion Nico Rosberg claimed the Breakthrough of the Year award. He ended runner-up in 2014 and 2015 but finally won the title last year.
Leicester City bagged a special Laureus Spirit of Sport award to mark their remarkable achievement by winning English football’s Premier League. PTI
