First to the stage was Mondo Duplantis. He was awarded the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award after being nominated in each of the last three years and is the second track-and-field athlete to win this Award, after four-time winner Usain Bolt.
Still just 25 years old, Duplantis broke his own world record for a remarkable ninth time in 2024 on the way to gold in Paris, before shattering it again at the Silesia Diamond League meeting the following month. Duplantis received his Award from last year’s winner, Novak Djokovic.
Mondo Duplantis said: “Thank you to Laureus and the Academy. I’m truly honoured. I’m a product of my environment and I want to shout out my mum and dad, (my girlfriend) Desiree and all my family.” Asked by Djokovic if he believes he can add to his 11 world records, he added: “I think there’s more in the tank.”
Simone Biles’ breathtaking displays in the French capital saw her named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time, equalling the record held by tennis great and compatriot Serena Williams – they both also have one Comeback of the Year Award.
Biles called the Paris Games her ‘redemption tour’ after taking a break from the sport, and the most decorated gymnast in history produced a stunning performance, picking up three golds and a silver. One year after winning that Comeback of the Year Award, her redemption is complete.
Simone Biles said: “I want to thank Laureus for this incredible honour. I’ve been dreaming of moments like this since I was a foster kid, so I have to say thank you to my parents for adopting me and my sister. To any foster kids – or kids in general – out there… go get ‘em, you got it. Never give up.”
The show closed with an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal, who received the Laureus Sporting Icon Award after a year in which he announced the end of one of the greatest careers in the history of professional tennis.
He took to the stage after a moving video tribute showing some of his greatest moments and most fierce challenges, voiced by Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman.
Rafael Nadal said: “I didn’t prepare for this amazing moment talking in front of all of you, but a lot of you have been sports people who have inspired me since I was a kid. Thanks to the Laureus Academy for thinking that I deserve this amazing award – and to the tennis world for everything it has given me during these unforgettable years. Finally, I want to thank Madrid, which has become the world capital of sport.”
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