Biles and Duplantis honoured at Laureus Awards in Madrid
MADRID: Simone Biles and Mondo Duplantis were crowned Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday, celebrating their extraordinary achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Biles, already the most decorated gymnast in history, added to her legacy with a triumphant comeback in Paris, securing gold medals in the team, all-around, and vault events, along with a silver on the floor exercise. Her performance earned her a fourth Laureus Award, equalling the record held by tennis legend Serena Williams.
“I’m so happy to be here in Madrid and to receive my fourth Laureus Award,” said Biles. “There might be a little girl watching someone like me on television and deciding she can do it, too.”
On the men’s side, Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis finally clinched his first Laureus Award, presented by last year’s winner Novak Djokovic. Duplantis dazzled in Paris with a second Olympic gold and twice broke his own world record, including at the Silesia Diamond League.
“I know because this is the fourth time I have been nominated – and that proves it’s harder to win a Laureus than an Olympic gold medal,” Duplantis quipped.
Both athletes continue to inspire the next generation with their brilliance and resilience on the world stage.
