MADRID - Chinese paralympic swimmer Jiang Yuyan took home the Sportsperson with a Disability Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony on Monday, as Sweden's Olympic pole vault champion Armand Duplantis and US star gymnast Simone Biles were named fhe World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively.
Jiang won an impressive seven gold medals in swimming at the Paris Paralympics, making her one of the Games' most decorated athletes. Chinese para badminton athlete Qu Zimo was also nominated in the award category.
"I'm so excited to be here. Thank you so much for this award, it's an incredible honor for me and all Paralympic people," Jiang said.
"I want to thank my coach, my family and my fans. You are always an inspiration, and I am grateful for having you by my side and believing in me.
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"I lost my right arm and leg when I was three years old in an accident - that made me who I am, but it was swimming that really shaped me," Jiang said, expressing her hope to inspire others who have suffered life-changing accidents or disabilities.
"In the water, I could move quickly and I was able to feel freedom and choose my way, so to anyone who has a disability, I want to tell you not allow anyone to say to you what you can and can't do: chase your dreams, because you are capable of many things more than you think," she concluded.
Duplantis has broken the pole vault world record no fewer than 11 times, as well as winning gold at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games and taking two World titles. The Swede beat off the challenge from cyclist Tadej Pogacar and tennis star Carlos Alcaraz to win the Laureus award.
"Some decent athletes think I deserve this, so it's cool, I want to thank everyone for what happens in public and behind the scenes," said Duplantis.
"I am a product of my environment, so I want to thank my family and everyone around me. I have been surrounded by people who inspire me, and if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't be here now," he added.
The World Sportswoman of the Year was Simone Biles, who claimed her fourth Laureus award after returning to Olympic glory in Paris with three gold medals and a silver medal following a disappointing performance at Tokyo 2020.
Real Madrid was named World Team of the Year ahead of FC Barcelona's women, who won every possible title in 2024, although Lamine Yamal of Barca's men's team won the World Breakthrough of the Year award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to surfer Kelly Slater, who said he was "proud, thankful and happy" to be in Madrid, while cyclist Tom Pidcock was named the World Action Sportsperson of the Year after winning back-to-back Olympic mountain bike gold medals.
Gymnast Rebeca Andrade took the Comeback of the Year award after her display in Paris, winning a gold, two silvers and one bronze medal after three cruciate ligament knee operations. Tennis player Rafael Nadal was named the Laureus Sporting Icon.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars" of sport, celebrated their 25th anniversary on Monday with a ceremony in the Spanish capital for the second consecutive year.
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The event aims to highlight the positive values of sport, with this year's Sport for Good Award going to Kick4Life, a program dedicated to supporting at-risk children and young people in Lesotho.
