Bolt, Serena claim crowns

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won his second straight Laureus Sportsman of the Year award Wednesday and American tennis player Serena Williams won the women's prize for the second time.

Bolt won three gold medals at last year's world championships and set world records in the 100 and 200-meter races. Williams won the Australian Open and Wimbledon and regained the No 1 ranking.

Speaking from Jamaica, where Bolt is training, the sprinter said he aims to "keep winning, keep running and breaking records".

"Anything is possible," Bolt said. "I just need to keep working hard and keep breaking records. That's the aim for me."

Bolt beat Roger Federer to the title for the second straight year. Federer, a four-time Laureus winner, was also shortlisted this year.

Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters earned the award for the Comeback of the Year. Clijsters won the US Open last year after she was absent from tennis for almost two years, getting married and giving birth.

Two of the winners came from Formula One.

British driver Jenson Button won the Breakthrough of the Year award after winning his first F1 title, and Brawn GP earned the award for the Team of the Year after almost going out of business in the offseason.

Button said it was "a very special feeling" to win a breakthrough award at the age of 30.

"Last year was very special in my life," Button said. "When I started the season I didn't think I'd race in F1 so to clinch the trophy in the first season was very special."

Three-time world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore of Australia was named World Action Sportsperson of the Year and swimmer Natalie du Toit of South Africa earned the Laureus Disability award.

Source: China Daily