The winners of the 22nd Laureus World Sports Awards, one the most prestigious honours in sport, are to be announced in a new-style format in 2021.
The annual ceremony is usually hosted in a one-off event - 2020's awards took place in Berlin - but given the coronavirus pandemic that is still sweeping the globe, the event organisers have been forced to be a little more creative this year.
According to a statement released by Laureus on Monday "the Laureus World Sports Awards on this occasion will not be presented at one gala ceremony, but individually to award winners at protected locations as part of a series designed to leverage digital media."
"As well as recognising the most memorable sporting performances to have taken place in 2020 despite the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic, this year there will be additional special awards acknowledging the wider impact on society made by athletes," the statement added.
"In line with the growing focus of Laureus on Sport for Good, the 2021 awards will tell the inspirational stories of people who have worked tirelessly to combat the pandemic, and will highlight the advocacy of sportsmen and sportswomen who have used their positions of influence to make a powerful impact on issues and conflicts which transcend sport."
Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James, Robert Lewandowski, Naomi Osaka, Federica Brignone, Tadej Pogacar, Bayern Munich, Los Angeles Lakers and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team are all expected to be up for awards in 2021.
Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, said: "After a challenging year, we are more determined than ever to ensure that Laureus honours the men and women who made such an effort to return to sport, in many cases in a very different environment and without spectators. The Nominees and Winners of Laureus Awards will be the people who have reminded us how inspiring and motivational sport can be following the hiatus of lockdown."
- Supplied