TRACK STAR CHERUIYOT NAMED LAUREUS SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR - By David Martin
Cheruiyot is the first Kenyan woman winner - the other was male track legend Kip Keino - to claim an individual success ahead of some other outstanding names who thrilled the world with their performances last year.
Vivian Cheruiyot after surprisingly not winning last year's IAAF World Athlete of the Year title was rewarded with a more glittering crown when being named Laureus Sportswoman of the year in London last night. ©Victah Sailer
Vivian Cheruiyot after surprisingly not winning last year's IAAF World Athlete of the Year title was rewarded with a more glittering crown when being named Laureus Sportswoman of the year in London last night.
Cheruiyot the 2011 World Cross Country gold medallist and who later in the summer scored a scintillating 5000 metres and 10000m double at the World Outdoor Championships in Dageu, was voted Number one by celebrated sporting members of the Laureus Academy.
The 47 strong panel which includes great names including Jack Nicklaus, Michael Johnson, Monica Seles, Steve Waugh and Franz Beckenbauer awarded her what is considered sports equivalent of an Oscar.
Cheruiyot is the first Kenyan woman winner - the other was male track legend Kip Keino - to claim an individual success ahead of some other outstanding names who thrilled the world with their performances last year.
Apart from her global championship successes she also was unbeaten in the Samsung Diamond League series of meetings and also ran the world leading times over 3,000m and 5,000m.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year while Irish golfers Darren Clarke clinched the Comeback Award for his Open Championship victory and Rory McIlroy took the Breakthrough Award.
The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation Awards which uses sport to help people worldwide, saw Brazilian footballer Rai won the Sport For Good Award for his campaigning for social justice.
Former Manchester United and England footballer Bobby Charlton’s incredible career was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
David Martin
