Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles has been awarded the Laureus World Comeback of the Year prize after returning to the sport following a two-year hiatus for mental health reasons. The American gymnast, a three-time winner of the Sportswoman of the Year award, is looking to add to her Olympic medal collection at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Australian skateboarder Arisa Trew made history by becoming the first female skateboarder to win the Laureus Action Sportsperson of the Year award after successfully landing a 720 trick.
Novak Djokovic, the ATP world No. 1, won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a record-equaling fifth time, while Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award, with the awards being presented in Madrid by a panel of 69 sporting legends, including Usain Bolt and Tony Hawk. The Laureus 2024 award winners also included the Spain Women’s Football Team for Team of the Year, Fundacion Rafa Nadal for Sport for Good, Diede de Groot for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability, and Arisa Trew for Action Sportsperson of the Year.
Simone Biles had a memorable 2023 season as she returned to gymnastics after stepping back from the sport due to mental health reasons following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her accomplishments were recognized with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award, adding to her impressive collection of accolades. In the action sports category, Arisa Trew made history by becoming the first female skateboarder to win the Laureus Action Sportsperson of the Year award, showcasing her talent and skill in vert skateboarding.
Novak Djokovic’s dominance in tennis was once again acknowledged with his fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, highlighting his outstanding achievements in the sport. Aitana Bonmati was honored with the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award for her contributions to women’s football, while Jude Bellingham’s breakthrough performance earned him the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award. The awards ceremony, hosted by a panel of iconic sports figures, celebrated the achievements of athletes across various disciplines.
The Laureus 2024 award winners also included the Spain Women’s Football Team for Team of the Year, recognizing their success and impact on the sport. Fundacion Rafa Nadal was recognized for its positive contributions to society through sport with the Sport for Good award, highlighting the importance of sports in creating positive change. Diede de Groot was honored with the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award, showcasing her remarkable achievements in adaptive sports. Overall, the Laureus awards celebrated the dedication, talent, and determination of athletes from around the world.
The Laureus awards ceremony in Madrid brought together a panel of 69 sporting legends to recognize and honor the accomplishments of athletes across various sports. Usain Bolt and Tony Hawk were among the presenters who awarded the athletes for their outstanding performances and contributions to their respective sports. The recognition of athletes like Simone Biles, Novak Djokovic, Aitana Bonmati, and Jude Bellingham highlights the hard work and dedication required to excel at the highest levels of sport. The Laureus awards serve as a platform to celebrate and inspire the next generation of athletes.
