Laureus 2024 Nominations, Laureus Sports Awards 2024
by Aishwarya R | Updated Feb 27, 2024
Laureus Sports Awards 2024
The anticipation for the 25th Laureus World Sports Awards has reached its peak with the recent announcement of nominations, setting the stage for the highly anticipated event to be held in Madrid on April 22. Widely regarded as the 'Ultimate Global Athletes' Award,' 'The Laureus' stands as the pinnacle of recognition in the world of sports.
Athletes from various disciplines aspire to join the illustrious list of winners that includes legendary figures, making this award ceremony a prestigious and coveted event. The official Nominations announcement took place at the historic Casa de Correos in Madrid, the headquarters of the Presidency of the Community of Madrid, with distinguished guests including the President of the Madrid Region, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida.
The event at Casa de Correos was graced by the presence of esteemed global sporting legends and Laureus Academy Members, such as Luís Figo, Ruud Gullit, Nawal El Moutawakel, and Alessandro Del Piero. This gathering not only highlighted the significance of the Laureus World Sports Awards but also underscored its global appeal and the admiration it garners from the sporting community.
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Laureus 2024 Nominations
Here are the award categories and their respective nominees:
World Sportsman of the Year
World Sportswoman of the Year
World Breakthrough of the Year
World Team of the Year
Sport for Good Award Shortlist
World Action Sportsperson of the Year
World Comeback of the Year
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
What is Laureus Sports Awards?
The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual ceremony established in 1999 to honor outstanding individuals and teams in the field of sports, recognizing their remarkable achievements throughout the year.
Founded by Laureus Sport for Good Foundation's patrons Daimler and Richemont, the awards are supported by global partners such as Mercedes-Benz, IWC Schaffhausen, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. The primary objective of the awards is to celebrate excellence in sports while also promoting the charitable work of Laureus Sport for Good.
Laureus Sport for Good, through its global network, supports over 160 community projects in more than 40 countries. These initiatives leverage the power of sports to address issues such as violence, discrimination, and disadvantage, showcasing the transformative impact that sports can have on communities. The name "Laureus" is derived from the Greek word for laurel, a symbol traditionally associated with victory in athletics.
The inaugural ceremony took place on May 25, 2000, in Monte Carlo, featuring a keynote speech by South African president Nelson Mandela. Awards are presented annually in eight categories, with additional discretionary categories recognized irregularly.
Recipients of each award receive a Laureus statuette, crafted by Cartier, during an annual ceremony held in various locations worldwide. These ceremonies have been hosted in eleven different cities and broadcasted in at least 160 countries, emphasizing the global significance and reach of the Laureus World Sports Awards.
How does the Laureus Sports Awards Work?
The Laureus Sports Awards operate through a meticulous selection process, beginning with the nomination phase where six contenders are chosen in each of the seven traditional Award categories. This selection is conducted by the 1,300 members of the Laureus Global Media Panel. Additionally, for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award, the International Paralympic Committee contributes to the selection process through their vote.
However, what sets the Laureus Awards apart is the distinctive final stage of judging. The ultimate decision rests in the hands of the prestigious Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising 69 esteemed members. These individuals include Olympic champions, world-record breakers, and athletes who have redefined their respective sports.
Serving as the ultimate jury on sporting greatness, the Academy members bring their unparalleled expertise and experience to cast their votes, adding an extra layer of significance to the laurels bestowed upon the winners.
Moreover, the Laureus Sport for Good Award, in alignment with the words of Laureus’ first Patron, Nelson Mandela, recognizes a program that embodies the transformative power of sport to change the world, making these awards not just a celebration of athletic achievement but also a testament to the positive impact of sports beyond the field.
Notable Winners of Laureus Sports Awards
Here are the notable Winners of Laureus World Sports Awards:
Roger Federer
Serena Williams
Lance Armstrong, Marion Jones, and Earle Connor
Lionel Messi
Laureus Sports Awards History
The history of the Laureus World Sports Awards dates back to 1998 when the organization was established as a charitable initiative by a partnership between Richemont and Daimler. Known simply as "Laureus," the organization derived its name from the Greek word for laurel, a symbol traditionally associated with victory in athletics. The inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony took place two years later, in a significant milestone for the organization.
The inaugural ceremony, held in 2000, featured seven regular award categories and two discretionary ones. Notably, Nelson Mandela, the patron and president of South Africa at the time, delivered a speech during the event that has been described as "iconic" by Edwin Moses. The ceremony was hosted by American actors Jeff Bridges and Dylan McDermott, adding a touch of glamour to the occasion.
However, the early years of the Laureus Awards were not without controversy. Two awards were rescinded due to the illegal use of performance-enhancing drugs: American cyclist Lance Armstrong and American track athlete Marion Jones both had their honors withdrawn. Additionally, the award for American amputee sprinter Earle Connor, the recipient of the 2004 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award, was also later rescinded.
Despite these challenges, the Laureus World Sports Awards have evolved into a prestigious event often referred to as the sporting equivalent of an "Oscar" for movies. The awards not only celebrate exceptional athletic achievements but also emphasize the charitable mission of the Laureus organization, using sports as a catalyst for positive change in communities around the world.
Laureus 2024 Nominations - FAQs
The Laureus World Sports Awards are highly prestigious honors presented annually to outstanding individuals and teams in the field of sports. Recognized as the "Ultimate Global Athletes' Award," it celebrates exceptional achievements and contributions to the world of sports.
The nominees for the Laureus Sports Awards 2024 are selected through a thorough process. A total of 1,300 members of the Laureus Global Media Panel nominate six contenders in each of the seven traditional award categories. Additionally, the International Paralympic Committee contributes to the selection for the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
Notable winners include Roger Federer and Serena Williams, holding records for the most awards among male and female athletes, respectively. However, awards presented to athletes like Lance Armstrong and Marion Jones were rescinded due to illegal drug use.
The Laureus Awards stand out for their unique final judging stage, where the ultimate decision is made by the esteemed Laureus World Sports Academy. Comprising 69 renowned members, including Olympic champions and world-record breakers, they serve as the ultimate jury on sporting greatness.
Laureus is not only about recognizing athletic achievement but also emphasizes its charitable mission through Laureus Sport for Good. Supporting over 160 community projects in 40+ countries, these programs use the power of sports to address issues such as violence, discrimination, and disadvantage, reflecting the belief that sports can change the world positively.