Bolt,Serena win awards

Olympic gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt was named as the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for the second consecutive time at the Emirates Palace. Tennis star Serena Williams,who bagged two Grand Slam titles Australian Open and Wimbledon last year,won the Sportswoman of the Year Award. Williams had won the Laureus Comeback Award in 2007,while Federer won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award from 2005 to 2008.

Reigning Formula One champion Jenson Button won the Breakthrough of the Year Award,while his last years team Brawn GP were named Laureus World Team of the Year. Belgiums Kim Clijsters,who stunned the world by winning the US Open after returning from retirement,won the Laureus Comeback of the Year Award.

South African swimmer Natalie Du Toit,who won five gold medals in the 2008 Summer Paralympics,won the Laureus Disability Award,while Australias three-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore was named Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year.

Nawal El Moutawakel received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.