It’s possible that the Award for Sportsman or Sportswoman of the year could go to an Olympic runner at today’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Five out of the possible 12 nominations for Sportsman or Sportswoman of the year have been handed out to Olympic runners including Usain Bolt, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis, Allyson Felix and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate the achievements of athletes from across the world while also showcasing the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation – an organization carrying out projects that help tackle issues like gang violence, lack of education, racial intolerance, and HIV/AID, through sport initiatives with young people.
You can check out some of the cool work the Laureus Sport for Good foundation has done here.
Bolt and Farah are up for Sportsman of the year in a category with Bradley Wiggins(cycling), Lionel Messi (soccer), Michael Phelps (swimming) and Sebastian Veelel (Formula One).
The other contenders for Sportswoman of the year include Lindsey Vonn (skiing), Missy Franklin (swimming), Serena Williams (tennis).
Last year, Vivian Cheruiyot took home the award for 2012 Sportswoman of the year after winning the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres gold medals in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu.
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