American skiing legend and Laureus World Sports Academy member Lindsey Vonn has offered an inspiring reflection on the deeper meaning of sport as the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards get underway in Madrid on Monday, April 20.
In a social media post tagged with #laureusawards, Vonn wrote:
“For me, The Laureus Awards have always been a special moment to reflect on what sport can represent beyond competition… It’s not just about winning, it’s about resilience, growth, and the impact we can have on others along the way that can extend far beyond sport. Wishing all the nominees at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards the very best. Enjoy every moment 👏🏻 – LV”
Vonn, who won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award in 2011 and later received the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award in 2019, has a long-standing connection with the prestigious ceremony. She previously hosted the event in 2022 and has been a vocal advocate for the values Laureus represents — excellence, fair play, and sport as a force for good.
The 2026 awards, often called “the Oscars of Sport,” are taking place at the iconic Cibeles Palace (Palacio de Cibeles) in Madrid, a city designated as a global hub for sport. The ceremony brings together elite athletes, Academy members, and celebrities to celebrate the standout performances and achievements from the previous year.
Nominees and Categories
Nominees for the major categories, announced in early March, include some of the biggest names in world sport. Among the contenders for Laureus World Sportsman of the Year are:
Carlos Alcaraz (Spain, tennis)
Ousmane Dembélé (France, football)
Mondo Duplantis (Sweden, athletics)
Marc Márquez (Spain, motorcycling)
Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia, cycling)
Jannik Sinner (Italy, tennis)
Strong names on the Sportswoman of the Year shortlist feature Olympic stars such as Katie Ledecky, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and others who delivered exceptional performances in 2025.
Other categories include Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year (with reports indicating Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal among the honorees), and the Laureus Sport for Good Award, which recognizes initiatives using sport to create positive social change.
The winners are chosen exclusively by the Laureus World Sports Academy — a jury of more than 60 legendary athletes — making the awards uniquely peer-driven.
Hosts and Significance
Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu were announced as co-hosts for the 2026 ceremony, marking the first time two active athletes have shared hosting duties.
Vonn’s message comes at a poignant time for the former downhill queen. She made a remarkable comeback attempt for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina earlier this year, only to suffer a crash in the downhill — yet her story of resilience and daring to chase late-career dreams has itself embodied the themes she highlighted in her Laureus post.
The Laureus World Sports Awards not only honor individual and team excellence but also underscore sport’s broader power to inspire, unite, and drive social impact worldwide. As Vonn reminded fans and nominees alike, the true value often lies in the journey — the growth forged through setbacks and the positive influence athletes can have far beyond the field of play.
The full list of winners is expected to be revealed during the glamorous evening gala at Cibeles Palace.
