Who won the 2022 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award?
Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has bagged the 2022 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, following his victory last season.
Max Verstappen has been named the 2022 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, after besting seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to win his first Formula 1 world title last season. He had a record 18 podium finishes to become the first Dutchman to win the F1 World Championship.
💬 "A big thank you to everyone from the Laureus Academy for voting for me. It's not only me, it's the whole team behind me, working on two cars to perform, giving me the opportunity to win the championship & this Award"#Laureus22 World Sportsman of the Year, @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/kIMSSC08Ek
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 24, 2022
Verstappen joins the ranks of Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Lionel Messi, and Michael Schumacher, all of whom have been given the honor.
Verstappen wins over other big names
“I was very happy, of course, but it was a lot of hard work and preparation. I’m incredibly proud. Since I was a little kid I dreamt of being on the top step and winning the championship,” he said after being announced the winner.
“It means a lot to be recognized for this award, one of the highest ones in the world, so I’m incredibly happy,” added the 24-year-old.
The Red Bull driver edged out other outstanding athletes- nominees Tom Brady of the NFL, tennis star Novak Djokovic, Olympic medalist Caeleb Dressel, long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge, and soccer’s Robert Lewandowski.
Jamaican Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, considered one of the greatest sprinters of all time, was voted World Sportswoman of the Year, while British tennis champion Emma Raducanu won the World Breakthrough of the Year Award.
Tom Brady awarded for lifetime achievement
Quarterback Tom Brady received Lifetime Achievement honors, while the Italian men’s football team was hailed the World Team of the Year.
💬 "Being voted by so many incredible athletes all around the world, men and woman that play a variety of different sports but know what it takes to achieve their highest potential, it means a lot"#Laureus22 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, @TomBrady 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8EPC73CUtD
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 24, 2022
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Tennis players have had the most names on the list of winners over the years, with Roger Federer garnering the most number of appearances with five awards.
Cyclist Lance Armstrong received the honor in 2003, but it was rescinded after he admitted to doping ten years later.