The world’s fastest man and the world’s quickest driver were among the winners at the 10th Laureus Awards in Abu Dhabi but there was disappointment for Lindsey Vonn who missed out. But at least the golden girl lost out to a true legend in the form of tennis star Serena Williams.
The awards recognise sporting achievements from last year and for Williams 2009 began a remarkable return to form as she won the Australian Open for a fourth time and reclaimed her world number one status. She went on to beat her sister Venus in the Wimbledon final for her 11th grand slam. It is her second Laureus award.
Jamaica's track genius Usain Bolt joined Serena on the roster of two-time Laureus laureates as he collected the Sportsman of the Year Award after a year that saw him winning three more gold medals at the World Championships.
Formula One was the other big winner in Abu Dhabi as world champion Jenson Button won the Breakthrough of the Year Award and Brawn GP (now Mercedes) was named Team of the Year. "I have been around for quite a while in Formula One," said Button, "even though it feels like I've just arrived.
"Now I'm hoping to be back here next year collecting another award. For anyone in motor sport to get close to the likes of Roger Federer and Usain Bolt, with all that they've achieved, is amazing."
'To win the Laureus Award is just unbelievable, it's truly beyond my wildest dreams' – Stephanie Gilmore
The awards show was hosted by Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey with film stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Hugh Grant and Clive Owen adding to the glamour, while England Test cricketer Andrew Flintoff, F1 star David Coulthard and five-time Olympic gold medallist Steve Redgrave were special guests. They were entertained by a gymnastics performance and a display by world champion mountainbike-trial-rider Kenny Belaey.
Also among the awards was three times ASP world champion Stephanie Gilmore beat both the ASP men’s champion Mick Fanning and internet mountain biking phenom Danny MacAskill in the Action sports category.
"To win the Laureus Award is just unbelievable, it's truly beyond my wildest dreams," Gilmore told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Winning this award is definitely right up there with winning world titles and that's one of the best feelings you can ever have."
Swimmer Natalie du Toit was named Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability while Serena’s great rival, Kim Clijsters, won the Comeback of the Year Award after winning the US Open after two years away from the competitive circuit – becoming the first mother to win a major since Evonne Goolagong in 1980.
Check out the official Laureus site. 
Getty Images for Laureus
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