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Lionel Messi, Lewis Hamilton and Simone Biles have been awarded the Laureus as Sportsman of the Year. The sixfold world footballer from FC Barcelona and the sixfold Formula 1 world champion received the same number of votes in the election for the 20th Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin. The women’s title went to the four-time Olympic gymnast for the third time.
Hamilton received the sports award on Monday evening at a gala in the Verti Music Hall from the hands of long-time soccer coach Arsene Wenger. “It is so incredible to see the sizes that I can now follow,” said the 35-year-old Briton: “I was inspired by many of you.” Messi (32) had not traveled to Berlin and sent his thanks via video. It was the first award for both athletes, they succeeded the Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.
Artistic gymnast Biles against ski star Mikaela Shiffrin and won again after 2017 and 2019, she was also not there due to the preparations for the Olympic Games. “It means the world to me, but I would also like to congratulate all the other nominees,” said the 22-year-old American.
Winners of other categories: South Africa’s rugby team (team), Tour de France winner Egan Bernal (newcomer), basketball player Dirk Nowitzki (life’s work), US snowboarder Chloe Kim (action athlete), Formula 3 racing driver Sophia Flörsch (comeback ), Spanish Basketball Association (exceptional performance)
The non-profit Laureus Foundation, which supports various sports projects for disadvantaged children, is the only worldwide award ceremony to honor the best athletes of the past year in different categories. Laureus record holder (five awards) is the Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer.
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