11 March,2010 01:35 PM IST | | Agencies
The fastest man on the planet Olympic gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt won the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the second consecutive time. US tennis player Serena Williams emerged winner in the women's category.
Bolt was chosen for his three gold medal winning performances at the World Championships, continuing his amazing blitz on sprinting after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bolt, nicknamed "Lightning Bolt", pipped other strong contenders for this award such as tennis sensation Roger Federer, who won French Open and Wimbledon last year, FIFA footballer of the year Lionel Messi.
Bolt, who was not personally present at the function held in Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace on Wednesday, sent his message through a video conference after winning the award.
"I am focusing on 2012 London Olympics and breaking more records. But I am not keen on running 400m hurdles," Bolt said.
Serena, who won two grand slam titles Australian Open and Wimbledon last year now stands only second to Roger Federer, who has so far won Laureus award four times. Williams had won the Laureus comeback award in 2007, while Federer won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award from 2005-2008.
Serena, who also couldn't make it to the event, said she was delighted to have won the award.
"I think I was also nominated four more times. I know only Roger Federer has more Awards, so it would be cool to catch him up," Serena said over video conferencing.
