Laureus Awards: Bolt, Serena get top honours

Abu Dhabi, Mar 11: World's fastest man Usain Bolt was awarded Laureus sportsman of the year while tennis legend Serena Williams walked away with the title of sports woman of the year for 2009 .

This is the second time Bolt has been crowned the sportsman of the year as part of the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards, which are given out annually in recognition of outstanding sports achievements.

Bolt won the honour again for bagging three gold medals at World Championships in Berlin in 2009.

For Serena Williams, it is the third Laureus award. The 2009 award came in recognition of her brilliant performances in Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Interestingly, Serena Williams brewed quite a lot of controversies during the year including the foul-mouthed tirade at the US Open to posing nude for ESPN magazine.

The award for the tennis ace is surprising after she invited a huge fine for the US Open incident.

In the star studded event held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Mar 10, Belgium's tennis icon Kim Clijsters was awarded Laureus World Comeback of the year for winning 2009 US Open title after returning from retirement.

Laureus World Team of the year went to Brawn GP Formula One Team while Jenson Button received the Laureus Breakthrough of the Year Award.

Other awardees include:

• South African swimmer Natalie du Toit - Laureus Disability Award
• World Surfing Champion Stephanie Gilmore - Laureus World Action Sportsperson
• Dikembe Mutombo - Sport for Good award.

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