LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, and Lewis Hamilton shortlisted in Laureus Awards after year of athlete activism
The 36-year-old, who has become a leading voice against racial injustice and police brutality, helped inspire the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship, while individually winning his fourth NBA title and fourth Finals MVP award.
Naomi Osaka, recent winner of her fourth grand slam at the Australian Open, won her second US Open in 2020, and is shortlisted for the Sportswoman of the Year award.
“While I’m here, while for some reason there’s a TV camera on me, I might as well use it to the best of my ability.”
Included in the world breakthrough category is Tadej Pogacar who became the youngest rider in a century to win the Tour de France.
One his way to becoming the first Slovenian to ever triumph in the epic three-week race, Pogacar overtook the leader, his compatriot Primoz Roglic, in the penultimate stage to claim the yellow jersey.
In line with the disruption caused to major sporting events by the coronavirus pandemic, the Laureus World Sports Awards will not be presented in one gala ceremony this year as is tradition, and winners will receive their awards individually in protected locations.
Since 2000, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has honored inspirational individuals and teams each year.
Dubbed “The Oscars of Sport,” Laureus awards aim to “recognize the most memorable sports achievements and acknowledge the wider impact on society, made by athletes.”
Last year, for the first time, the World Sportsman of the Year Award was shared, with Hamilton winning the title jointly with Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
The full shortlists for the 2021 Laureus World Sport Awards are as follows:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award
Joshua Cheptegei, Armand Duplantis, Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James, Robert Lewandowski, Rafael Nadal.
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award
Anna van der Breggen, Federica Brignone, Brigid Kosgei, Naomi Osaka, Wendie Renard, Breanna Stewart.
Laureus World Team of the Year Award
Argentina Men’s Rugby Team, Bayern Munich, Kansas City Chiefs, Liverpool Football Club, Los Angeles Lakers, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award
Ansu Fati, Patrick Mahomes, Joan Mir, Tadej Pogacar, Iga Swiatek, Dominic Thiem.
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award
Daniel Bard, Kento Momota, Alex Morgan, Max Parrot, Mikaela Shiffrin, Alex Smith.
