Tennis star Roger Federer has become the first athlete to be named Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards for the third time.
Federer beat golfer Tiger Woods and retired Formula One driver Michael Schumacher to the prize.
Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva was named Sportswoman of the Year, and Italy's footballers got the team prize.
Britain's Lewis Hamilton was beaten to the Breakthrough of the Year honour by French tennis player Amelie Mauresmo.
Federer said afterwards: "It is a great honour for me to recieve this award for the third straight year.
"Winning it was always a dream of mine and now this dream has come true"
"I'm very proud so thanks very much and I hope to see you next year."
The nominees were selected by a panel of journalists from 128 countries and the winners were chosen by the 43-strong Laureus Academy members.
Isinbayeva was pleased to be given recognition for her achievements after three nominations for the award.
The 24-year-old said: "I've been so disappointed for the last two years because I was sure I would win, but this time I've done it.
"Winning it was always a dream of mine and now this dream has come true."
Briton Luke Dowdney was given the Sport for Good award for founding a boxing project for young people in Rio de Janeiro.
Sportsman of the Year
Roger Federer, Switzerland, tennis
Sportswoman of the Year
Yelena Isinbayeva, Russia, pole vault
Team of the Year
Italy's men's soccer team
Comeback of the Year
Serena Williams, United States, tennis
Breakthrough of the Year
Amelie Mauresmo, France, tennis
Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability
Martin Braxenthaler, Germany, skiing
Action Sportsperson of the Year
Kelly Slater, United States, surfing
Special Awards:
Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award
Franz Beckenbauer, Germany
Laureus Spirit of Sport Award
FC Barcelona, Spain
Laureus Sport for Good Award
Luke Dowdney, Britain