The Laureus Sports Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of Sport," are among the most prestigious accolades in the world of sports. These awards celebrate the achievements of athletes across various sports disciplines, honouring excellence in both individual and team performances. The awards are unique in their global scope, recognizing sports achievements across all corners of the world, and are awarded by the Laureus World Sports Academy. The Laureus Sports Awards are not just about athletic prowess; they also highlight the role of sport in society, with awards for social impact and humanitarian efforts. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Laureus Sports Awards, how they work, the categories of honours, and notable winners over the years.
The Laureus Sports Awards were established in 1999 by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. These annual awards recognize the most outstanding sports achievements in a variety of categories, including "Best Male Athlete," "Best Female Athlete," "Best Team," and "Best Breakthrough Athlete." The awards are presented during a glamorous ceremony that brings together the world's top athletes, celebrities, and sports leaders.
The Laureus Sports Academy, consisting of more than 70 of the greatest living athletes, plays a central role in the voting process, selecting nominees and determining the winners across the categories. The awards cover a wide range of sports disciplines, from football and tennis to athletics, motor racing, and more. In addition to the individual and team categories, the awards also honor athletes who have made significant contributions to social causes through sport, promoting positive change in their communities.
The Laureus Sports Awards have several categories, each designed to acknowledge the achievements of athletes and teams from different fields. Here are the main categories:
The "Best Male Athlete" category is awarded to the male athlete who has achieved the most outstanding performance in their sport during the year. This award celebrates athletic excellence in individual sports such as athletics, tennis, swimming, and motor racing.
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis superstar, has been a regular nominee and winner in this category. He won the Laureus Best Male Athlete Award in 2012, 2015, and 2016, cementing his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His dominance in tennis during these years, with multiple Grand Slam titles, earned him recognition at the Laureus Sports Awards.
The "Best Female Athlete" category honours the top female athlete based on her performance in her sport during the year. This award highlights excellence across all sports, from tennis and athletics to gymnastics and swimming.
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players in history, has been a multiple winner of the Laureus Best Female Athlete Award. She won the award in 2003, 2010, and 2016, among other years. Her extraordinary achievements in tennis, including 23 Grand Slam singles titles, have made her a global icon in sports.
The "Best Team" category recognizes the most outstanding team performance in sports. This award is given to teams that have shown exceptional teamwork and success in their respective sports, whether in team sports like football, rugby, and basketball, or in motorsport and other collective endeavors.
The New Zealand All Blacks, one of the most successful rugby teams in history, won the Laureus Best Team Award in 2017. Their dominant performances in international rugby, including winning the Rugby World Cup in 2015, earned them global acclaim and the prestigious Laureus award.
The "Best Breakthrough Athlete" category honours an athlete who has made an extraordinary impact in their sport, particularly those who are young or emerging stars. This category celebrates the rise of new talent that has quickly captured the world’s attention with outstanding performances.
British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton won the Laureus Best Breakthrough Athlete Award in 2008 after his remarkable performance in the Formula 1 season, where he narrowly won his first World Championship. His success in motorsport has since made him one of the sport's most iconic figures.
These are considered the most prestigious individual awards within the Laureus Sports Awards. The “Sportsman of the Year” and “Sportswoman of the Year” awards are given to athletes who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective sports during the past year, and their achievements are often highlighted by global impact.
In addition to individual and team performance categories, the Laureus Sports Awards also honour the most significant sporting moments of the year. This category focuses on moments that have inspired people worldwide, whether through athletic achievement, personal triumph, or moments of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Laureus World Sports Academy is a unique organization made up of some of the most famous and accomplished athletes in history. The academy is responsible for selecting the winners of the Laureus Sports Awards. Members of the academy include sports legends such as Pele (football), Jackie Stewart (motorsport), Michael Johnson (athletics), and Martina Navratilova (tennis), among many others.
The Academy plays a key role in voting and in promoting the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport as a tool for positive social change. The foundation supports over 150 programs in more than 40 countries that aim to help children and young people facing adversity, using the power of sport to educate and empower them.
The Laureus Sports Awards have become one of the most prestigious recognitions in global sport. Winning a Laureus award not only solidifies an athlete's place in history but also boosts their visibility and marketability. It can lead to new sponsorship deals, increased media attention, and opportunities for philanthropy through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Serena Williams’ victories at the Laureus Sports Awards have helped elevate her status as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Beyond her individual achievements on the tennis court, her recognition at the Laureus Awards has contributed to her role as a global ambassador for women in sports, gender equality, and health.
Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have also benefited from the global attention provided by the Laureus Sports Awards. Their recognition has solidified their influence not only in motorsport but also in advocacy for social and environmental causes, showcasing how the Laureus platform can extend beyond sports into important global issues.
