Paris Olympic gold medalist Mondo Duplantis has made history by joining sprint icon Usain Bolt as the only track and field athletes to be named Laureus Sportsman of the Year. The Swedish pole vault superstar received the prestigious honor during the 2025 Laureus Sports Awards held in Madrid, a ceremony that celebrated not only the top athletes of the past year but also some of the greatest sports figures of the 21st century.
Duplantis had a phenomenal 2024 season, capturing his second world indoor title in Glasgow and claiming Olympic gold in Paris with a record-breaking vault. He went on to surpass his own world record once again at the Silesia Diamond League meet. These accomplishments earned him his fourth straight nomination for the Laureus award and this time, he finally took home the prize.
By winning, Duplantis becomes only the second track and field athlete to claim the honor, following four-time recipient Usain Bolt. He also joins Tiger Woods as the only former NCAA athletes to win the award.
Reflecting on the moment, the 25-year-old expressed his deep appreciation:
“It’s an incredible honor to win my first Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award here in Madrid, especially with Usain Bolt acknowledging me as his successor in track and field,” said Duplantis, who received the award from 2024 winner Novak Djokovic.
“This award means so much it’s even harder to win than Olympic gold. Being chosen by the legends of the Laureus World Sports Academy, athletes who know what it takes to reach the top, makes it truly special. To follow in the footsteps of icons like Djokovic, Bolt, Nadal, and Messi is something I’ll never forget.”
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