Nominees

South Africa Rugby Team

The Springboks were named International Rugby Board Team of the Year in 2009, edging out Six Nations winners Ireland.

Natalie Du Toit

History was made in Beijing in 2008 when South Africa’s Natalie du Toit became the first amputee ever to qualify for the Olympics, where she finished 16th in the 10km open water swim. She is one of only two athletes to have competed in both the Olympic Games AND the Paralympic Games.

Shelly-Ann Fraser

Lance Armstrong (Rescinded)

Award rescinded after the sporting successes on which the Laureus World Sports Academy voted have been revoked by the relevant sport governing body.

Usain Bolt

Bolt finished the season in style, winning the Diamond League 100 metres in Brussels in September in 9.76 secs, the fastest time of the year.

Juan Martin Del Potro

Mark Cavendish

Tom Daley

Shingo Kunieda

Federica Pellegrini