Australian surf queen Stephanie Gilmore has become the first Australian to win a Laureus Award since 2004, taking out the action sportsperson of the year title at a gala function in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday night.

Gilmore, 22, has won the women’s world surfing crown in each of the last three years.

She also got the 2010 season off to the best possible start with victory in the Roxy Pro at her home break of Snapper Rocks last weekend.

Gilmore beat a six-strong field which included fellow Australian surfing world champion Mick Fanning.

The other Australian finalists, Kurt Fearnley and Justin Eveson, were edged out in the world sportsperson of the year with a disability award by South African swimmer Natalie du Toit.

The last Australian to win a Laureus title was seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley back in 2004.

Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt was crowned world sportsman of the year for the second straight time.

American tennis star Serena Williams also won a second world sportswoman of the year crown, with her first title coming back in 2003.

Another tennis player, Belgian Kim Clijsters, claimed the comeback of the year award after winning the US Open following a two-year absence from the tour, during which time she gave birth to daughter Jada.

© AAP 2012

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