Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Craig Ray
Published on 2024-02-26 11:05:32
The Springboks’ incredible defence of their Rugby World Cup (RWC) title in Paris last year has led to a nomination for World Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards – often dubbed the Oscars of sport. This nomination marks the third time the Boks have been recognized in this category, having previously won the accolade in 2008 and 2020, following their previous RWC triumphs. In addition to the team nomination, Captain Siya Kolisi has also been nominated for the Comeback of the Year award, acknowledging his remarkable recovery from knee ligament surgery just four months prior to RWC 2023. Kolisi’s journey back to the field required the assistance of skilled medical professionals, as well as the unwavering support of his loved ones. However, at the core of his return was Kolisi’s own determination to overcome the challenges and make it to France for the World Cup.
But the celebration doesn’t stop at rugby. South African sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer has also been recognized with a nomination for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award for her historic achievement of becoming the first female to win a solo round-the-world race via the three Great Capes. Additionally, Justice Desk Africa, a non-profit organization based in Cape Town, is in the running for the Laureus Sport for Good Award, recognizing their work in empowering young people in South Africa to understand and defend their human rights.
A total of six nominees have been selected in each category, with the winners set to be announced in Madrid on 22 April, following a vote by the esteemed Laureus World Sports Academy, made up of 69 legendary athletes from across the globe.
“This is such an overwhelming moment for me – to be nominated with the Springboks for Laureus Team of the Year, and also individually for Comeback of the Year,” Kolisi expressed. “I was fortunate to witness the impact of winning a Laureus Award when we triumphed at the World Cup in 2019. I hope we can achieve that victory once again. The competition is tough this year, with formidable nominees including Manchester City, Spain’s Women’s World Cup winners, and Oracle Red Bull Racing.”
The Springboks’ success at RWC 2023 was a testament to their mental fortitude, as they secured three nail-biting victories in the knockout stages by a collective three-point margin, defeating France, England, and New Zealand. Their triumph in France marked the fourth time the Boks have won the Webb Ellis Cup, making them the first team in RWC history to achieve this feat.
In addition to their RWC success, the Boks also became only the second team after the All Blacks to win back-to-back world titles. What sets the Springboks’ achievement apart is that they secured these titles away from home, defeating the hosts (Japan in 2019 and France in 2023) at the quarterfinal stage both times.
While the Boks’ accomplishments in France last year were monumental, they face stiff competition for the esteemed Laureus award. Nominees in the World Team of the Year category include the Spain Women’s Football Team, treble-winners Manchester City, the European Ryder Cup Team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and the Germany Men’s Basketball Team.
In addition to the team nominations, the shortlist for the Sportswoman of the Year and Sportsman of the Year awards feature some of the greatest athletes of all time. Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, Max Verstappen, and Noah Lyles are among the nominees for the Sportsman of the Year award, while Iga ÅšwiÄ…tek, Aitana BonmatÃ, and Mikaela Shiffrin are among the nominees for the Sportswoman of the Year award.
Siya Kolisi’s nomination for Comeback of the Year acknowledges not only his exceptional performance on the field but also his mental and physical strength in returning to play so soon after a partial tear of his ACL. Other notable nominees in the Comeback of the Year category include celebrated gymnast Simone Biles and Borussia Dortmund striker Sébastien Haller.
Kirsten Neuschäfer’s nomination for the World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award recognizes her extraordinary achievement in becoming the first woman to win a solo round-the-world race via the three Great Capes. Her competition includes BMX cyclist Beth Shriever, surfing duo Filipe Toledo and Caroline Marks, and street skateboarder Rayssa Leal.
The Laureus World Sports Awards aim to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding athletes and teams from around the world. The winners will be revealed at the ceremony in Madrid on 22 April, where the most exceptional athletes of 2023 will be honored for their incredible achievements in their respective sports.
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