Naomi Osaka is named Laureus Sportswoman of the Year, while Lewis Hamilton’s commitment to social justice is recognized
The 23-year-old was named the 2021 Laureus Female Athlete of the Year after winning her second US Open title, but it wasn’t just her success on the court that earned her the award.
During her Grand Slam success at Flushing Meadows and amid the Black Lives Matter campaign, Osaka wore a different face mask for every match, on the respectively the name of a black victim of alleged police or racist violence in the United States stand.
After honoring so many of her “role models” with the award, Osaka said it “means a lot” to be able to accept it herself.
“As far as my activism on the court goes, I think it’s important to use my voice because I feel like I often hold back and worry about what people think of me, but when you have a platform “It’s very important that you use it,” she explained.
“As I look to the future, I hope to have helped as many people as possible and hopefully be a better person.”
The Laureus Awards, normally a glitzy red carpet event nicknamed the “Oscars of Sport,” went digital this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The awards ceremony told the “inspirational stories of people who have worked tirelessly to combat the pandemic and highlighted the commitment of athletes who have used their influential positions to have a strong impact on issues and conflicts beyond the sports,” said a statement from Laureus.
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Use his platform
Like Osaka also used Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton his platform to bring attention to social injustices and racial inequality in 2020.
In addition to equaling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven F1 world championships, Hamilton also spoke out against police brutality and racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The Mercedes driver wore a Black Lives Matter helmet with a black racing suit, knelt before every Grand Prix and encouraged his colleagues to do the same. His car was painted black to emphasize the team’s commitment to diversity.
Hamilton, who was named Athlete of the Year alongside Lionel Messi last year, then received the first Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award for 2021 “for his commitment to the fight against racism.”
“The past year has been incredibly difficult for many, but it has also been heartening to see how the power of our collective voices has sparked new conversations and change,” Hamilton said.
“The impact of each and every one of you who stood up is so inspiring that I want to thank you. Please keep fighting and don’t let your light go out.
“The global uprising against the long-standing problem of systemic racism and inequality in our society has been monumental, but we must continue to fight.
“We all need to feel responsible for positive change in our world and hold ourselves accountable to make the promises of the last year a reality. I firmly believe we can do it together and that’s why I’m standing Your side as we move forward.”
READ: “I did this sport alone,” says Lewis Hamilton after his record title win
Complete the story
In addition to Hamilton, Rafael Nadal also had a historic 2020.
In June, the Spaniard won his 13th French Open title, equaling Roger Federer’s record of winning 20 Grand Slam tournaments in his career.
In recognition, Nadal was named the 2020 Laureus Athlete of the Year, his fourth Laureus award.
“I had some amazing competitors: the rest of the athletes probably deserved the trophy as much as I did, but this was the year for me and I can’t be happier,” said the 34-year-old.
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“Winning the French Open and equaling Roger Federer’s 20th Grand Slam was an unforgettable moment. It means a lot to me to equal my great rival, but at the same time also my great friend. That’s something very special after all the history we have experienced together on and off the court,” Nadal added.
“The pandemic we are facing is something unprecedented and I want to send a message of support to all families who have suffered or lost someone.”
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2024-01-04 18:46:18
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