Paris olympians shine at 25th Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid

22nd April 2025 By The Global Heroes Global Heroes

Paris Olympians and Paralympians stole the spotlight at the 25th anniversary of the Laureus World Sports Awards, held in Madrid. Among the standout winners were global icons Simone Biles and Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis.

Co-hosted by CNN Sports’ Amanda Davies, the prestigious event honored not just athletic excellence, but also the transformative power of sport. This milestone edition celebrated 25 years of recognizing world-class athletes and impactful initiatives.

Simone Biles Makes History Again

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, was named Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time. She earned the honor after securing three gold medals and a silver at her third Olympic Games in Paris. Biles now joins tennis legend Serena Williams as the only athletes to win this award four times.

“I first won this award in 2017, and Laureus has been part of my journey ever since,” Biles said during her acceptance speech. “I truly believe in the power of sport to change lives, whether it’s inspiring a young girl watching from home or through the incredible work of Laureus Sport for Good over the past 25 years.”

Duplantis Joins Track & Field Royalty

Swedish pole vault superstar Armand Duplantis was named Sportsman of the Year, becoming only the second track-and-field athlete after Usain Bolt to claim the title. At just 25, Duplantis broke his own world record and claimed back-to-back Olympic golds, an achievement last seen in 1956 with Bob Richards.

“The Laureus is the award every athlete dreams of winning,” Duplantis said. “This is my fourth nomination, and honestly, it might be tougher to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold! To follow in the footsteps of legends like Usain Bolt, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Lionel Messi is truly humbling.”

Comeback and Breakthrough Stars

A powerful moment of the night came when Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade received the Comeback of the Year Award. After enduring three ACL tears in just four years and nearly retiring, Andrade staged a remarkable return in Paris. She won gold, two silvers, and a bronze, making her the most decorated Brazilian Olympian ever.

“Gymnastics can feel lonely, but Paris reminded me of the strength in community,” Andrade said. “Competing alongside Simone Biles, last year’s winner of this award, made it even more special. I hope our stories give hope to anyone battling injuries or adversity.”

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal took home the Breakthrough of the Year Award. The 16-year-old made history as the youngest player and goalscorer in European Championship history. Just a day after turning 17, he became the youngest ever to play in a Euros final.

Celebrating Sport for Good

While Real Madrid claimed the Team of the Year honors, the Sport for Good Award highlighted the heart of the Laureus mission. Kick4Life, a football-focused nonprofit founded in 2005, was recognized for its work empowering at-risk youth in Lesotho through sport.

From awe-inspiring athletic performances to stories of resilience and purpose, the 25th Laureus Awards were a powerful tribute to the global impact of sport. The evening in Madrid served as a reminder that greatness isn't just measured in medals, but in the ability to uplift and inspire.

Complete list of winners at the Laureus World Sports Awards