Mondo Duplantis and Simone Biles, the big winners at the Laureus Awards Gala »What other athletes were noted in Madrid

On the second day of Easter, the most important athletes of the planet, along with personalities in the world of sport, gathered at Palacio de Cibels in Madrid for Gala Laureus, inaugurated in 2000, in the presence of Nelson Mandela.

Mondo Duplantis, without an opponent in the discipline he practices, was named the athlete of the year

Armand Duplantis (25 years old) was appointed the athlete of 2024 in the Laureus Gala. The Swedish athlete had an exceptional 2024, managing to get gold medals at the Paris Olympics, at the World Championships in Glasgow, the European Championships in Rome and in the Diamond League final, played in Brussels.

Throughout his career, Duplantis has corrected 11 times his own world record, last time in the All Star Parche competition in Clermont-Ferrand (France). The 25 -year -old athlete jumped 6.27 meters with the fry.

“I would not have a prize like this without the people who inspired me so much and made me a better person. There is time until Los Angeles (no 2028 Olympic Games will be held in this city). I hope I can beat the record several times and I hope to do it there,” said Duplantis, quoted by the brand.

Also nominated: Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis), Leon Marchand (birth), Pogacar (cycling), Max Verstappen (Formula 1).

Mondo Duplantis, on the stage of the Laureus Gala/Photo: Getty Images

Simone Biles, named for the 4th time Laureus's athlete

Simone Biles (28 years old) was called the athlete of 2024 at the Laureus Gala, managing to get this prize for the fourth time, after those conquered in 2017, 2019 and 2020. Last year, the explosive gymnast participated in the Paris Olympics, where he obtained gold together with the team of the United States and 3 other individuals compound – gold, soil – silver).

Due to these performances, Biles reached a balance of 11 Olympic medals (7 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) and 30 world medals (23 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze).

“I have always dreamed of times like these, since I was a little girl. So I am grateful to my parents because they allowed me to turn into a profession. I think my work inspired. My husband could not be here, but I wish him a happy celebration,” Biles said.

Also nominated: Aitana Bonmati (Football), Sifan Hassan (athletics), Faith Kipyegon (athletics), Sydney McLauglin-Levrone (athletics), Aryna Sabalenka (Tennis).

Winners of Laureus prizes

• The athlete of the year: Mondo Duplantis (Jumping with Frafa)

• The sporty of the year: Simone Biles (gymnastics)

• The team of the year: Real Madrid (football)

• The revelation of the year: Yamine Lamal (FC Barcelona)

• The return of the year: Rebeca Andrade (gymnastics)

• Award for the entire career: Kelly Slater (Surf)

• The best athlete with disabilities: Yuyan Jiang (birth)

• World Action Sportsperson: Tom Pidcock (cycling)

• Sport for Good: Kick4Life, a program that uses football to reach children and young people from Lesotho

• Emblematic sports personality: Rafael Nadal (Tennis)

Nadia Comăneci, present at Madrid for Gala Laureus

Since 2000, since the first edition of the gala, Nadia Comăneci is a member of the Laureus Academy, having an important role in year in the development of this special event. Almost 2 months ago, “the goddess from Montreal” recalls the moments in which she entered the Laureus Academy and how was the meeting with Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa.

“There were around 7-9 people in the Board of the Laureus Foundation at the time, and in our program there was a surprise meeting so I didn't know it would be, Mr. Mandela. The door opened … And when I saw Nelson Mandela, we stopped. We could not believe that it was a real person.

He told me he was following my life and everything I did. Hugged me and congratulated me. Then I remember I was on the podium at the first Laureus prizes when he said the famous words that sport has the power to change the world. When I look at my life, it is practically described by these words ”, explained Comăneci for the brand.

In recent days, the former great gymnast of Romania has participated in an event with Cafu, accompanied Mondo Duplantis and Rebeca Andrade at a meeting with the press and photographed with Simone Biles.