Hamilton, who is currently testing in Barcelona ahead of the new Formula One season, said: “I want to say thank you to Laureus for nominating me for the Sportsman of the Year Award. I feel very privileged. I’m a big admirer of what Laureus does and it’s so great to be a part of it.
Jessica Ennis-Hill has been nominated in two categories
“I wish all the other Nominees the best. I’m really excited to see what the outcome will be. Either way I feel privileged to be among some of the greats.”
Ennis-Hill added: “I feel very honoured to be nominated for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award – 2015 for me was very special. To come back from having my son and win a gold medal at the World Championships in Beijing exceeded all my expectations.
“It was probably the toughest year of training I have had with so many injuries and physical changes to deal with along the way. My coach and medical team did an amazing job in getting me ready to tackle the heptathlon 13 months after Reggie was born – I still find it hard to believe I won. I would like to thank the world’s media for nominating me.”
Swimmer Adam Peaty has also been nominated
Elsewhere British breaststroke swimmer Adam Peaty, who won three gold medals at last year’s world championships, has been nominated for ‘Breakthrough of the Year’. Max Verstappen, the 18-year-old F1 sensation, is also shortlisted.
FULL LAUREUS CATEGORIES:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award
Usain Bolt (Jamaica) Athletics, Stephen Curry (US) Basketball, Novak Djokovic (Serbia) Tennis, Lewis Hamilton (UK) Motor Racing, Lionel Messi (Argentina) Football, Jordan Spieth (US) Golf.
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award
Genzebe Dibaba (Ethiopia) Athletics, Anna Fenninger (Austria) Skiing, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) Athletics, Katie Ledecky (US) Swimming, Carli Lloyd (US) Football, Serena Williams (US) Tennis.
Laureus World Team of the Year Award
All Blacks (New Zealand) Rugby, FC Barcelona (Spain) Football, Golden State Warriors (US) Basketball, Great Britain Davis Cup Team (Tennis), Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team (Germany), US Women’s Football Team.
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award
Chile Men’s Football Team, Jason Day (Australia) Golf, Tyson Fury (UK) Boxing, Adam Peaty (UK) Swimming, Jordan Spieth (US) Golf, Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Motor Racing.
Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award
Dan Carter (New Zealand) Rugby, Jessica Ennis-Hill (UK) Athletics, Mick Fanning (Australia) Surfing, Michael Phelps (US) Swimming, David Rudisha (Kenya) Athletics, Lindsey Vonn (US) Skiing.
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award
Marie Bochet (France) Skiing, Liu Cuiqing (China) Athletics, Daniel Dias (Brazil) Swimming, Omara Durand (Cuba) Athletics, Pieter Du Preez (S.Africa) Athletics, Cycling, Leung Yuk Wing (China Hong Kong) Boccia.
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award
Rachel Atherton (UK) Mountain Biking, Bob Burnquist (Brazil) Skateboard, Adriano de Souza (Brazil) Surfing, Mick Fanning (Australia) Surfing, Jan Frodeno (Germany) Ironman Triathlon, Chloe Kim (US) Snowboarding.