Spirit of Sport reflects a sporting year like no other
It has been a remarkable 12 months of sporting excellence. Legacies have been built, new heroes have emerged – and Spirit of Sport has been there every step of the way.
The words ‘Olympic year’ always quicken the pulse of sports fans, and the 2024 Paris edition more than lived up to expectations. A century after it was first hosted in the city, the Games delivered in every possible way.
“This is a real opportunity to draw in as many people as we can,” London 2012 heptathlon gold medallist and Laureus Academy Member Jessica Ennis-Hill told Spirit of Sport in the build-up.
“For those who perhaps don’t see sport as their thing, this gets them immersed in a completely different world that they’ve not been in before.”
“This is a real opportunity to draw in as many people as we can,” London 2012 heptathlon gold medallist and Laureus Academy Member Jessica Ennis-Hill told Spirit of Sport in the build-up.
“For those who perhaps don’t see sport as their thing, this gets them immersed in a completely different world that they’ve not been in before.”
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Home favourite Léon Marchand came into the summer carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, and he didn’t disappoint.
By clinching four gold medals and smashing multiple Olympic records, the 22-year-old swimming sensation announced himself as a global superstar.
On the track, St Lucia’s Julien Alfred stunned Sha’Carri Richardson to win the women’s 100m title, while American Noah Lyles added an Olympic gold to his six world championships in the men’s event.
Team USA gymnast and four-time Laureus Award winner Simone Biles received widespread acclaim from within the sporting community and beyond, after opening up on her struggles with mental health.
Speaking to Spirit of Sport, she said: “Every time there’s an Olympic year, it’s a little more stressful, but you’re trying to be super careful about keeping your body and mind healthy.”
She made a triumphant return in Paris, collecting three golds and a silver medal and cementing her status as one of the all-time gymnastic greats.
By clinching four gold medals and smashing multiple Olympic records, the 22-year-old swimming sensation announced himself as a global superstar.
On the track, St Lucia’s Julien Alfred stunned Sha’Carri Richardson to win the women’s 100m title, while American Noah Lyles added an Olympic gold to his six world championships in the men’s event.
Team USA gymnast and four-time Laureus Award winner Simone Biles received widespread acclaim from within the sporting community and beyond, after opening up on her struggles with mental health.
Speaking to Spirit of Sport, she said: “Every time there’s an Olympic year, it’s a little more stressful, but you’re trying to be super careful about keeping your body and mind healthy.”
She made a triumphant return in Paris, collecting three golds and a silver medal and cementing her status as one of the all-time gymnastic greats.
14-year-old Australian skateboarding trailblazer Arisa Trew was making her first appearance at an Olympic Games, three years after being hit with a wave of inspiration having watched her heroes compete at Tokyo 2020.
“I really hope I can make the podium,” the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year revealed to Spirit of Sport. “Everyone’s going to be there and I’m really excited to skate the park.”
And it was her blend of enthusiasm, self-confidence and elite talent which enabled the teenager to realise her dream and collect a gold medal on her Olympic debut.
“I really hope I can make the podium,” the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year revealed to Spirit of Sport. “Everyone’s going to be there and I’m really excited to skate the park.”
And it was her blend of enthusiasm, self-confidence and elite talent which enabled the teenager to realise her dream and collect a gold medal on her Olympic debut.
Five-time Laureus Sportsman of the Year Novak Djokovic also enjoyed success in the French capital, winning gold against Wimbledon and French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz on the clay at Roland-Garros. 2024 also saw the retirement of Djokovic’s great opponent, Rafael Nadal, who picked up his fifth Laureus Award in Madrid in April, when Fundación Rafa Nadal won the Sport for Good Award.
There was joy, too, for Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who claimed this year’s Australian and US Open titles, while Iga Świątek and Barbora Krejčíková won in Paris and Wimbledon respectively.
“I think it’s an exciting time when you have the clash of generations and personalities, so tennis is in great shape,” Laureus Academy Member Martina Navratilova told Spirit of Sport in a wide-ranging, emotional interview.
There was joy, too, for Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who claimed this year’s Australian and US Open titles, while Iga Świątek and Barbora Krejčíková won in Paris and Wimbledon respectively.
“I think it’s an exciting time when you have the clash of generations and personalities, so tennis is in great shape,” Laureus Academy Member Martina Navratilova told Spirit of Sport in a wide-ranging, emotional interview.
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This year saw Europe’s biggest football stars descend on Germany for Euro 2024, where the name of one man was on everybody’s lips - Jude Bellingham.
Fresh from celebrating a La Liga and Champions League double in his spectacular maiden season at Real Madrid, the English midfielder was tipped to take the competition by storm.
“He scores goals, he plays with personality and doesn’t fear anything,” said 2006 Italian World Cup winner and Laureus Academy Member Alessandro Del Piero ahead of the tournament.
The Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award winner would go on to live up to his billing, scoring two goals – one of which was a stunning last-gasp overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16 – as he led his team to a second consecutive European final. In the end, it was a Lamine Yamal-inspired Spanish side who lifted the trophy.
Other highlights from a remarkable year include Max Verstappen being crowned Formula 1 drivers’ world champion for the fourth consecutive season, and Barcelona women’s football team overcoming Lyon in the UEFA Women's Champions League Final, with Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Aitana Bonmatí named Player of the Match.
Twelve months of medals, moments and memories. The countdown to the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 starts now.
Fresh from celebrating a La Liga and Champions League double in his spectacular maiden season at Real Madrid, the English midfielder was tipped to take the competition by storm.
“He scores goals, he plays with personality and doesn’t fear anything,” said 2006 Italian World Cup winner and Laureus Academy Member Alessandro Del Piero ahead of the tournament.
The Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award winner would go on to live up to his billing, scoring two goals – one of which was a stunning last-gasp overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16 – as he led his team to a second consecutive European final. In the end, it was a Lamine Yamal-inspired Spanish side who lifted the trophy.
Other highlights from a remarkable year include Max Verstappen being crowned Formula 1 drivers’ world champion for the fourth consecutive season, and Barcelona women’s football team overcoming Lyon in the UEFA Women's Champions League Final, with Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Aitana Bonmatí named Player of the Match.
Twelve months of medals, moments and memories. The countdown to the Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 starts now.
