The Laureus World Sports Awards: The Redeemed 'Oscar' of Sports

When we think of accolades in the realm of sports, a parallel often drawn is with the legendary Oscar Awards, synonymous with the International Academy of Film Arts and Sciences. However, there is another ceremony that holds a similar prestige and recognition in the sportsperson community: the Laureus World Sports Awards. This article aims to explore the significance and structure of the Laureus World Sports Awards, its evolution over the years, and its impact on honoring the best performers in the world of sports.

Structure and Selection Process

The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual event celebrating the achievements of top sports personalities and teams from the previous year. It has been a prominent fixture on the sports calendar since its inception, designed to recognize and reward excellence and integrity in sports.

Categories of Awards

Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Laureus World Team of the Year Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Laureus World Comeback of the Year Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability

These categories are carefully crafted to encapsulate various aspects of sports performance, from individual achievements to team efforts and even the remarkable comeback stories. The introduction of more specialized categories like the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year and the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability showcases the broad spectrum of talent and dedication recognized in this platform.

Voting and Shortlisting Process

The selection process begins with nominations, followed by a rigorous evaluation by the esteemed Laureus World Sports Academy. This panel, comprising leading sports editors, writers, and broadcasters, shortlists six nominees for each category. These nominees are then voted upon by secret ballot, with the winners in all seven categories announced at the annual ceremony.

Famous Winners and Nominees

The list of Laureus World Sports Awards winners and nominees is aWho's Who of sports, reflecting global sporting excellence. Some notable winners and the most awarded personalities are:

Usain Bolt - Jamaica's sprint king, who has been a regular at the Laureus awards since his Prime era. Simone Biles - The gymnastics phenom, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. Rogel Federer and Usain Bolt - Tied with four awards each, symbolizing their indomitable spirits and sustained excellence. Laureus World Sports Team of the Year - Kelly Slater - Surfing great, whose team's achievements are celebrated under this prestigious accolade.

Nomination Process for 2018

The nominees for the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards included:

Mo Farah: UK Athletics - Representing the distance running prowess of the British team. Roger Federer: Switzerland Tennis - The tennis legend continues to dominate the world stage. Chris Froome: UK Cycling - Dominating the cycling field with exceptional performances. Lewis Hamilton: UK Motor Racing - The Formula 1 champion showcasing his driving skills in elite competitions. Rafael Nadal: Spain Tennis - The Spanish tennis star known for his resilience and fighting spirit. Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal Football - A shining example of persistence and excellence in the sport.

The Indian Perspective

In India, the concept of a sport-specific 'Oscar' is also recognized through the Khel Awards. The Man of the Year (MoY) Award is particularly noteworthy, serving as a regional nod to sporting excellence and inspiring new generations. The Khel Awards reflect the passion and dedication that drives the Indian sports community, creating an ecosystem for the recognition and promotion of various sports.

Conclusion

The Laureus World Sports Awards stand as a beacon of recognition in the world of sports. They celebrate individual and team achievements, offering a platform to honor those who have made significant contributions to the sporting world. Through their meticulous nomination and voting process, these awards continue to inspire and motivate athletes everywhere, much like the Oscars inspire and recognize the best in film.

As the Laureus World Sports Awards continue to grow in stature and recognition, their impact on the sports community is set to expand, ensuring that the best performances and comeback stories are celebrated every year.