American gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist and 23-time world champion – a record in gymnastics history – has been honored as the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for 2025. The 25th annual Laureus Awards ceremony took place on April 21st in Madrid, Spain.
Biles competed for this award against a strong list of nominees:
- Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus, Tennis): Three-time Grand Slam champion, former world No. 1.
- Aitana Bonmati (Spain, Football): FC Barcelona midfielder and Spanish national team player, two-time Ballon d`Or winner.
- Sifan Hassan (Netherlands, Athletics): 2024 Olympic marathon champion.
- Faith Kipyegon (Kenya, Athletics): 2025 Olympic 1500m champion.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA, Athletics): Two-time 2024 Olympic champion (400m hurdles and 4x400m relay).
Laureus Award nominees are initially shortlisted by a vote of over 1,000 sports media members from more than 70 countries. The Laureus World Sports Academy then selects the winners from these shortlists.
Gilbert Pendleton