Tennis gamers Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka picked up the Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards on Thursday with soccer star Mo Salah and Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton additionally recognised.
World quantity two Nadal claimed his fourth Laureus award as he was recognised for his thirteenth French Open and record-equalling twentieth main.
Osaka, who received the US Open for the second time and has 4 majors, is now a two-time Laureus winner.
“Winning the French Open and equalling the twentieth Grand Slam of Roger Federer has been an unforgettable second,” said Nadal.
“It means a lot to equal my great rival, but at the same time, my great friend.”
Osaka was recognised additionally for her anti-racism stance significantly on the US Open the place she wore face masks bearing the names of Black Americans who died on account of police clashes or had been victims of racial injustice.
“Regarding my activism on the court docket, I feel you will need to use my voice, as a result of for me I really feel like I usually maintain again so much and fear about what individuals consider me, however you already know when you have a platform it is vitally essential you utilize it,” said the Japanese star.
Bayern Munich, winners of the UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga, won the Laureus World Team of the Year Award.
Liverpool and Egypt attacker Salah won the Sporting Inspiration Award for his support of various charities, many in his home town of Nagrig.
He is also a powerful advocate of women’s rights in the Middle East.
Hamilton was named the inaugural winner of the Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year award for his support for racial justice, wearing a Black Lives Matter helmet and black race suit and taking a knee at each Grand Prix.
Canadian snowboarder Max Parrot was one of the most emotional winners.
He received the Laureus World Comeback of the Year after fighting back from cancer to win X-Games gold medals.
Patrick Mahomes took the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award after leading the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020 to their first Super Bowl appearance and win in 50 years.
Tennis giant Billie Jean King was honoured with the Laureus Lifetime Achievement award.
Chris Nikic, who became the first person with Down’s Syndrome to complete a full Ironman, received the most votes in the global Laureus Sporting Moment award public vote.
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