Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award on Wednesday for his record-breaking performance in the Beijing Olympics.
Bolt became the first man to win gold in the 100 meters (9.69 seconds), 200 meters (19.30) and 400-meter relay (37.10) in world record times in the same Olympiad.
“I am delighted to win this prestigious award and would like to thank everyone who voted for me,” said Bolt, who performed his trademark celebration, a lightning-like gesture with his arms.
“It is an honour to succeed such greats as multiple winner Roger Federer, Michael Schumacher, Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods.”
He received the award from Laureus World Sports Academy member Michael Johnson, who set the previous record in the 200 (19.32) at the 1996 Olympics.
The other nominees for the award were: Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps; Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal; motor sport racers Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi; and Portugal and Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
In Rome last week, Russian pole-vault star Yelena Isinbayeva received the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.
Bolt is in Toronto to compete in the 100 at the Festival of Excellence track and field meet to be held at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Centre on Thursday.
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