Two potential stars of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games were recognised as the best sportsman and sportswoman of the year at the 2015 Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai on Wednesday (15 April). Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic and Ethiopian long-distance runner Genzebe Dibaba picked up the top awards at what are known as the ‘Oscars of Sport’.

Djokovic, who won the men’s singles bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and lost the bronze medal match four years later in London, regained the no.1 spot in the world rankings in 2014 as he won his second Wimbledon title. The 27-year-old, who also won the Laureus award in 2012, said: “This is probably the crown of my 2014 season that has been highlighted with winning Wimbledon, regaining no.1 in the world and becoming a father. It has probably been my best year so far in my life.”

Djokovic saw off competition from five other shortlisted sportsmen: Formula One racing car driver Lewis Hamilton, pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie, golfer Rory McIlroy, MotoGP rider Marc Márquez and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dibaba became one of the hottest names in world athletics last year when she broke three world records in two weeks, setting new marks in the 1500m indoor, 3000m and two mile indoor events. The only other athletes to have set three world records in two weeks are Jesse Owens and Usain Bolt. Dibaba, aged 24, will be aiming to shine in Rio, after a hamstring injury meant she finished 10th in her 1500m heat on her Olympic debut at London 2012.

Also shortlisted for the sportswoman of the year prize were: New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams, Norwegian Nordic skier Marit Bjørgen, Slovenian Alpine skier Tina Maze and tennis players Li Na of China and Serena Williams of the USA.

Tatyana McFadden was recognised after an incredible year of success in 2014 (Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
 

The Laureus Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award was won by US wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden, who had an incredible 2014. For the second year running, she completed the classic marathon Grand Slam, winning in Boston, Chicago, London and New York, while on the track she broke the T54 1500m and 5000m world records. She also competed in the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, winning silver in the 1km cross-country sprint.

Two Chinese Olympians – tennis player Li Na and basketball legend Yao Ming, who both competed at the Beijing 2008 Games – were also recognised. Li, who has inspired a dramatic growth in tennis in China by winning two Grand Slams, received the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award, while Yao was honoured with the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award.

The winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a jury comprising 50 of the world’s leading sportsmen and sportswomen.

Full list of awards:

Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic

Sportswoman of the Year: Genzebe Dibaba

Team of the Year: Germany men’s football team

Comeback of the Year: Schalk Burger

Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Tatyana McFadden

Action Sportsperson of the Year: Alan Eustace