Spain had double the reason to celebrate at the prestigious Laureus awards on Monday as world tennis No. 1 Rafael Nadal was voted sportsman of the year and the Spanish soccer team’s World Cup win netted them the team of the year.
American ski superstar Lindsey Vonn got a gentle boost ahead of this week’s world alpine skiing championships by winning the sportswoman of the year title.
German golfer Martin Kaymer’s fabulous year, which included his first major — the USPGA Championship — saw him win the World Breakthrough of the Year Award.
Nadal, who won three Grand Slams last year in another scintillating display of all round tennis, was present at the gala ceremony — hosted by US actor Kevin Spacey — to accept his award as he is presently out of action with a torn thigh muscle.
“I cannot be thankful enough for receiving the most prestigious award in the world of the sport, Nadal said. “For me it is an honor to be in front of the best sportsmen and sportsmen of the world. Thank you very much.”
“For me, being No. 1 in the world is not a real goal,” Nadal told a news conference after the ceremony. “The real goal is being competitive in every tournament I am going to play and trying to keep having chances to win titles.”
Vonn earned her award after a stunning year in which she secured her third straight skiing World Cup and the Olympic downhill gold medal.
The World Comeback of the Year Award went to Italy’s seven-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi, who returned to the track just 41 days after -breaking his leg.
US surfer Kelly Slater, who has won a record 10 World Surfing Championships, received the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award for the third time.
And German skier Verena Bentele was awarded Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability after winning five gold medals in the Winter Paralympic Games.
French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony.
“My wish is to always stay close to football,” he said, adding that he hopes to become a manager one day.
The European Ryder Cup team won the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award and Beirut marathon founder May el-Khalil received the Laureus Sport for Good Award.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely