The glitzy 2011 Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi, bringing together dozens of sporting legends from the past and present.  Representing ITU were 2008 Olympic champions Emma Snowsill (AUS) and Jan Frodeno (GER), who joined the world-renowned sporting awards to endorse the finest performances of the year.

ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado and Paul Colemen, Managing Director of the ITU World Championship Series also attended the event.

“It really is quite overwhelming to be amongst some of the greatest sporting legends around,” said Snowsill.  “It was great to see how many Australians are involved in the Foundation and to see the tough job the Academy members have to make in deciding the best athletes each year.

“Abu Dhabi makes an exceptional host to an incredible event and it’s evident why they have held the event two years in a row. It really does feel like the Oscars of Sport and it has been a privilege to be invited back again.  I’m looking forward to being involved in some of the Sport for Good projects and maybe one day even being nominated,” she Snowsill.

“To be at the Laureus Awards in the first place is an honour - the world’s greatest athletes gather to celebrate the year’s best performances,” said Frodeno.  “And still the greater cause is not forgotten when some of the legends use their status and possibilities to bring some light to underprivileged areas and kids.”

“It’s truly inspiring to see that many sports superstars have not forgotten there is so much more to sport than the field of play!” said Frodeno.

Rafael Nadal of Spain won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for his remarkable three Grand Slam titles, while Lindsey Vonn of the USA won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year for her third straight skiing World Cup title and the Olympic gold in Alpine Downhill.  French football legend Zinedine Zidane was particularly welcomed by participants and awarded the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Laureus World Sports Awards annually recognise sporting achievement.  The winners are decided by 46 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, who are some of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all-time.

The members of the Laureus World Sports Academy present are: Giacomo Agostini, Franz Beckenbauer, Boris Becker, Sergey Bubka, Bobby Charlton, Nadia Comaneci, Marcel Desailly, Sean Fitzpatrick, Dawn Fraser, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Mika Hakkinen, Tony Hawk, Kip Keino, Franz Klammer, Edwin Moses, Nawal El Moutawakel, Robby Naish, Ilie Nastase, Alexey Nemov, Gary Player, Morné du Plessis, Hugo Porta, Monica Seles, Mark Spitz, Daley Thompson and Steve Waugh.

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is the Global Charity Partner of the ITU.  25 charity slots per event are available to those who wish to compete in age-group races by raising funds.

All photos: Jamie McDonald, Ian Walton, Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus