Biles, Duplantis Earn Honors at 25th Laureus Awards

At the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, Simone Biles was named Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time, matching Serena Williams' record, after a triumphant return to the Olympics in Paris where she won three golds and a silver. Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis clinched the Sportsman of the Year award, becoming only the second track-and-field athlete to win the honor after Usain Bolt, following his second consecutive Olympic gold and multiple world record-breaking performances. Real Madrid was recognized as Team of the Year for their achievements in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, while Barcelona's Lamine Yamal received the Breakthrough of the Year award for his outstanding debut season. Chinese Paralympic swimmer Jiang Yuyan was honored as Sportsperson with a Disability after winning seven gold medals at the Paris Paralympics. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Laureus Awards, celebrating athletes' achievements and their impact on inspiring future generations. The ceremony highlighted both athletic excellence and the power of sport to motivate and uplift communities worldwide.