Laureus Sports Award goes to Novak Djokovic, Simone Biles
What's the story
Novak Djokovic had left the sporting world stunned with his brilliant comeback from injury which saw him win the Wimbledon, US, and Australian Opens last year. The Serbian's phenomenal performance has now made him the winner of Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award. American gymnast Simone Biles has been declared Sportswoman of the Year. Here're further details.
History
A little on the Laureus Sports Awards
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation established the Laureus Sports Awards in 1999. The ceremony honors the best achievers in sports in a year, with awards been given to the best sportsman, sportswoman, team, breakthrough star, and someone who has made a comeback. The first sportsman who received the award is the legendary golfer Tiger Woods, while treble-winning Manchester United were adjudged the best team.
Voting
Who decides the award winners?
The voting for the Laureus Awards is done by a panel of 68 members who belong to the Laureus Academy. Famous sporting legends like Monica Seles, the nine-time Grand Slam winner, and Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medalist in cycling, were in the panel. The Sporting Moment of The Year award, which went to China's Xia Boyu, is voted for by the public.
Winners
Who are the winners of Laureus Sports Awards this year?
While Djokovic was declared Sportsman of the Year and Biles, Sportswoman of the Year, the French national football team, which won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, were declared the Best Team. Australian and US Open winner Naomi Osaka won World Breakthrough of the Year. Legendary football manager Arsene Wenger won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Golf legend Tiger Woods won Comeback of The Year Award.
Xia Boyu
Xia Boyu's extraordinary feat deserves a special mention
Xia Boyu managed to climb Mount Everest in 2018 when he was 69-years-old. The Chinese national did so without the help of his legs, which he lost due to frostbites while trying to climb Everest 40 years ago. Boyu had decided to help a fellow climber by lending him his sleeping bag, a move that had resulted in the tragedy.