STEPH WINS PRESITGIOUS SPORTS AWARD
Stephanie Gilmore – Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year
Rip Curl’s three-time ASP World Champion Stephanie Gilmore has become the first Australian to win a prestige Laureus Award since 2004, taking out the “Action Sportsperson of the Year” title at a star-studded gala function in Abu Dhabi last night.
Oscar-winning Hollywood star Kevin Spacey hosted the glittering Awards Ceremony, with British film star Hugh Grant and cricket legend Steve Waugh presenting Gilmore with the award.
“To win the Laureus Award is just unbelievable, it’s truly beyond my wildest dreams,” said Gilmore.
“I can’t believe it – as a surfer, I just love surfing and to be up here with all these athletes that I look up to is just amazing. Winning this award is definitely right up there with winning world titles and that’s one of the best feelings you can ever have,‚Äù continued Gilmore.
Gilmore beat out five other nominees, including two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning.
The 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards recognise sporting achievement during the period January 1 – December 31, 2009 and are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar. The winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 46 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time. 
The Awards were announced in seven categories. The winners were:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Usain Bolt
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
Laureus World Team of the Year: Brawn GP Formula One
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Jenson Button
Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Kim Clijsters
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Natalie du Toit
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Stephanie Gilmore
After taking out this prestigious award, along with the Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks last weekend it’s no doubt Stephanie Gilmore heads into the 2010 season with the utmost confidence.
Congrat’ Stephanie!
Thanks I really needed this.