Simone Biles, Mondo Duplantis Win Laureus Awards in Madrid

Simone Biles was named Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for a record-tying fourth time, matching Serena Williams, after her triumphant performance at the Paris Olympics where she secured three gold medals and a silver. Biles, who has previously won the award in 2017, 2019, and 2020, expressed pride in inspiring the next generation of athletes and highlighted the significance of the Laureus Awards in her career. Swedish pole-vaulter Mondo Duplantis won the Sportsman of the Year after defending his Olympic title and repeatedly breaking his own world record, becoming only the second track and field athlete to win the honor after Usain Bolt. The awards, voted on by the Laureus World Sports Academy, also honored Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade for her comeback and teenage soccer player Lamine Yamal as Breakthrough of the Year. Both Biles and Duplantis acknowledged the prestige of the Laureus recognition, with Duplantis noting its difficulty to attain compared to Olympic gold. The ceremony in Madrid celebrated excellence and resilience across a global roster of athletes.