Bolt wins record-equalling fourth Laureus award
Usain Bolt has won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a record-equalling fourth time, after cementing his status as the greatest Olympic sprinter in history with three gold medals at Rio 2016.
The 30-year-old Jamaican was victorious in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay in Brazil – achieving that treble for the third Olympics in succession, although he has since been forced to hand back his relay gold from Beijing due to team-mate Nesta Carter being retrospectively punished for doping.
Bolt received his latest honour at a glamorous ceremony in Monaco on Tuesday, having beaten off competition from fellow nominees Stephen Curry, Mo Farah, LeBron James, Andy Murray and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Also the World Sportsman of the Year in 2009, 2010 and 2013, Bolt joins tennis star Roger Federer in winning the award on four occasions.
Humbled and Honoured.
Winning my 4th @LaureusSport sportsman award. Thanks to the @LaureusSport academy and all my fans pic.twitter.com/mK2eKRfQJw— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) February 14, 2017
Earlier, Simone Biles had been confirmed as the winner of the World Sportswoman of the Year award.
The American, who claimed four gold medals and a bronze in Rio, is the first gymnast to be honoured by Laureus in the men’s or women’s category.
Michael Phelps earned the Comeback of the Year award. Having previously retired from competitive swimming, the most decorated Olympian in history picked up five golds and a silver at the 2016 Games.
Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg received the Breakthrough of the Year prize after pipping Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to claim a maiden drivers’ title, while the Chicago Cubs were named Team of the Year after ending their 108-year wait for World Series glory.
Thank you @Laureus !!! & happy Valentine’s Day !! pic.twitter.com/4d75gPmgDA
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) February 14, 2017
Shock Premier League winners Leicester City won a special Spirit of Sport award and the Refugee Olympic Team that competed in Rio was recognised with the Laureus Sport for Good Award for Sporting Inspiration.
