Duplantis honoured to be named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
Pole Vaulter, Mondo Duplantis says he is honoured to be crowned Laureus World Sportsman of the Year at a colourful ceremony Monday evening in Madrid, Spain.
Duplantis was declared the winner on his fourth attempt following his incredible 2024 season. He started the year by winning his second World Indoor Championship gold medal in March, Duplantis broke his own world record for a remarkable ninth time on the way to gold in Paris, before shattering it again at the Silesia Diamond League meeting the following month.
‘I am incredibly honoured to have won my first Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in the sporting capital of Madrid and to have the great Usain Bolt pay tribute to me, who I follow as the second track and field athlete to win this Award.
‘The Laureus Awards are the ultimate awards that we athletes want to win. I know because this is the fourth time I have been nominated – and that proves it’s harder to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold medal!
‘I’ll never forget receiving this beautiful Laureus from the great Novak Djokovic – I’m following in the footsteps of giants like Novak, Usain, Rafael Nadal and Lionel Messi. The list of past winners of this Award is like a history of sporting greatness over the past 25 years.
‘The Laureus Awards represent something more than sporting achievement. The fact that they are voted on by the 69 world-class athletes of the Laureus World Sports Academy elevates them to another level.
‘These are athletes who know the dedication and commitment that lies behind sporting successes; they have set the mark that athletes like me strive for. To be recognised by them is truly something special.
‘Finally, I must also acknowledge Laureus’ broader mission of using sport as a vehicle for change in the world. The work of Laureus Sport for Good has transformed lives around the world and – as the Awards celebrate its 25th anniversary – it is important to reflect on the enormous legacy that it has created. It’s a legacy I am proud to be a part of,’ said the Swede after receiving his award from tennis star, Novak Djokovic.
