World and Olympic pole vault champion Mondo Duplantis claimed one of sport’s highest honors on Monday, winning the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award at a star-studded ceremony in Madrid.
After three previous nominations, Duplantis finally secured the accolade, becoming only the second track-and-field athlete to win, following four-time winner Usain Bolt.
The 25-year-old Swede was recognized for his historic 2024 season, which saw him clinch his second world indoor title, Olympic gold in Paris with a record-breaking clearance, and another world record at the Silesia Diamond League meeting.
Expressing his gratitude, Duplantis shared, “I am incredibly honored to have won my first Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in Madrid and to have Usain Bolt pay tribute to me.”
He also reflected on the prestige of the award, stating, _“This is the fourth time I have been nominated—and that proves it’s harder to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold medal!”
Presented with the trophy by last year’s winner Novak Djokovic, Duplantis acknowledged the legacy of Laureus award winners, which includes Djokovic, Bolt, Rafael Nadal, and Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, US gymnastics icon Simone Biles added another milestone to her illustrious career by securing her fourth Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award.
