Photo Credit:KEYSTONE/EPA/Mariscal
In Madrid, a city known for its magic on the pitch, it was another kind of excellence being celebrated as the Laureus World Sports Awards turned 25. Athletes from around the globe gathered to honor the best in sport, and this year, Olympic heroes from Paris took center stage. Simone Biles, already a legend in her own right, walked away with her fourth Sportswoman of the Year award, tying tennis queen Serena Williams for the most wins ever. With three gold medals and a silver added to her stunning resume in Paris, Biles continues to show that greatness isn't just about talent, it's about perseverance, passion, and inspiring the next generation.
“I won this award for the first time in 2017, and Laureus has been part of my story since,” she said, reflecting on the significance of the moment. And she’s right — somewhere, a little girl watched her on that Olympic stage and decided she could be strong too.
Across the room, Swedish pole vault sensation Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis had his own golden moment, snagging the Sportsman of the Year award. Having shattered his own world record and becoming the first pole vaulter to win back-to-back Olympic golds since 1956, Mondo’s win felt destined. But he took it all in stride with a grin: “It’s harder to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold!” he joked, joining a hall of fame that includes giants like Djokovic, Bolt, Nadal, and Messi.
Yet it wasn’t just about the wins. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who nearly quit after her third ACL tear, returned to Paris with fire, leaving with four medals and one of the night’s most touching honors: Comeback of the Year. The image of Biles and teammate Jordan Chiles bowing to her on the podium? Iconic. “Paris showed that camaraderie can exist between competitors,” Andrade said, and her words hit home.
Teen prodigy Lamine Yamal added youthful sparkle to the night, winning Breakthrough of the Year after rewriting European Championship history before his 17th birthday. And though Real Madrid won Team of the Year, the real MVPs were those using sport for change — like Kick4Life, who received the Sport for Good Award for their work with youth in Lesotho.
In a world that can feel divided, the Laureus Awards reminded everyone of the magic of sport — not just the medals, but the grit, the comebacks, the unity, and the dreams it fuels. For one night in Madrid, the world of sport didn’t just celebrate champions — it celebrated humanity.
“I won this award for the first time in 2017, and Laureus has been part of my story since,” she said, reflecting on the significance of the moment. And she’s right — somewhere, a little girl watched her on that Olympic stage and decided she could be strong too.
Across the room, Swedish pole vault sensation Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis had his own golden moment, snagging the Sportsman of the Year award. Having shattered his own world record and becoming the first pole vaulter to win back-to-back Olympic golds since 1956, Mondo’s win felt destined. But he took it all in stride with a grin: “It’s harder to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold!” he joked, joining a hall of fame that includes giants like Djokovic, Bolt, Nadal, and Messi.
Yet it wasn’t just about the wins. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, who nearly quit after her third ACL tear, returned to Paris with fire, leaving with four medals and one of the night’s most touching honors: Comeback of the Year. The image of Biles and teammate Jordan Chiles bowing to her on the podium? Iconic. “Paris showed that camaraderie can exist between competitors,” Andrade said, and her words hit home.
Teen prodigy Lamine Yamal added youthful sparkle to the night, winning Breakthrough of the Year after rewriting European Championship history before his 17th birthday. And though Real Madrid won Team of the Year, the real MVPs were those using sport for change — like Kick4Life, who received the Sport for Good Award for their work with youth in Lesotho.
In a world that can feel divided, the Laureus Awards reminded everyone of the magic of sport — not just the medals, but the grit, the comebacks, the unity, and the dreams it fuels. For one night in Madrid, the world of sport didn’t just celebrate champions — it celebrated humanity.
