Each year, sports organizations and award bodies recognize the outstanding achievements of female athletes through various Sportswoman of the Year nominations. In 2025, a number of elite women from different sports disciplines have been nominated for top honors, reflecting their exceptional performances on the global stage. These nominees have excelled in events ranging from tennis and gymnastics to athletics and football, capturing headlines and inspiring fans around the world. Understanding the current nominations and the achievements behind them offers insight into the depth of talent in women’s sport today, and highlights the stories of dedication, resilience, and excellence that define this season.
Laureus World Sports Awards 2025 Sportswoman of the Year
The Laureus World Sports Awards are among the most prestigious honors in international sport, celebrating excellence and achievement on a global level. For 2025, the shortlist for Sportswoman of the Year features some of the most successful female athletes of the past season, including champions from Grand Slam tennis, athletics, and gymnastics. Nominees are selected by an international panel of sports journalists, with winners chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy. These awards acknowledge not only results but also the broader impact and significance of an athlete’s achievements throughout the year.
Nominees for Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
- Aryna Sabalenka – Tennis The two-time Grand Slam champion had a standout season, winning both the Australian Open and US Open and defending multiple major titles.
- Simone Biles – Gymnastics A record-breaking gymnast with multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, later named the Sportswoman of the Year.
- Aitana Bonmatí – Football (Soccer) A key player for both club and country, recognized for her leadership and performance in major international competitions.
- Sifan Hassan – Athletics The Dutch middle- and long-distance runner who continued to perform at a top level.
- Faith Kipyegon – Athletics Kenya’s elite track star, dominant in middle-distance races.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone – Athletics Olympic champion and world record holder in hurdles.
The Laureus nominations highlight women who have not only achieved titles but also influenced their respective sports with standout performances. Simone Biles, for example, was ultimately named the World Sportswoman of the Year, recognizing her exceptional contributions to gymnastics and sport overall.
The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2025
Another significant awards ceremony dedicated to female athletes is The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards, supported by Mastercard and Sure. This event celebrates female sporting excellence across a broad range of disciplines, with a shortlist of finalists announced for 2025. These nominations reflect achievements at both elite and grassroots levels, demonstrating the diversity of talent in women’s sport today.
Finalists and Key Contenders
The Sunday Times shortlist includes six leading contenders for Sportswoman of the Year. Although the full list varies by sport and region, the finalists share a common thread of outstanding performance. This award show emphasizes not just elite achievement but also stories of perseverance and community impact, highlighting the broader significance of women’s contributions to sport.
National and Regional Awards Recognizing Sportswomen
Across the world, national and regional sporting bodies also honor outstanding female athletes through awards that recognize performance within specific countries or regions. These annual awards often coincide with major domestic seasons and celebrate athletes who have excelled at international or national levels.
Examples of National Recognitions
- Tatjana Smith – Awarded Sportswoman of the Year at the 2025 SA Sport Awards in South Africa after a successful swimming career with Olympic medals.
- Singapore Sports Awards – List past examples such as Zeanne Law as Sportswoman of the Year in Singapore, showcasing success across different sports.
- Other regional awards continue to spotlight female athletes who contribute significantly on the local and national sports stage. Local associations often expand categories to include team awards, emerging talent, and special recognition for long-term service.
These awards help build visibility for sportswomen who may not always be in the international spotlight but whose achievements are highly valued within their communities and sporting systems.
Impact of Sportswoman of the Year Nominations
Being nominated for Sportswoman of the Year is more than just an honor; it represents years of dedication, training, sacrifice, and consistent performance under pressure. These nominations can elevate athletes’ profiles, enhance sponsorship opportunities, and inspire younger generations to pursue sport. Many nominees for these awards have compelling stories of overcoming adversity, breaking barriers, and setting new standards in their disciplines.
Inspiration and Role Models
Sportswoman of the Year nominees often become role models both on and off the field. Their achievements resonate with fans and aspiring athletes, reflecting values like resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Witnessing athletes like Simone Biles set historic records or Aryna Sabalenka dominate Grand Slam courts gives young sports fans tangible examples of what hard work and dedication can achieve. These nominations contribute to increasing participation in sport, especially among girls and young women, who see themselves represented at elite levels.
Celebrating Diversity in Sport
Current nominations for major awards highlight the diverse range of sports in which women compete at the highest levels. From athletics to tennis, gymnastics to football, these awards recognize excellence across a spectrum of disciplines. This diversity helps promote a more inclusive and representative sporting world, elevating achievements that span physical strength, strategic skill, and mental endurance. By honoring a wide array of sports, award bodies not only celebrate individual success but also encourage broader recognition for women’s sport at all levels.
Future Outlook and Upcoming Ceremonies
As the year progresses, more award ceremonies and nominations related to sportswomen will continue to emerge. Many organizations announce nominations based on seasonal achievements, calendar-year results, and major competitions such as the World Championships or regional games. Athletes who maintain high performance throughout the year are likely to remain in contention for future honors, contributing to ongoing conversations about excellence in women’s sport.
Nominations also provide opportunities for fans to engage with sport in new ways, whether through public votes, social media campaigns, or live broadcasts of awards nights. As awards evolve, they increasingly include categories that celebrate not just competitive success but leadership, community impact, innovation, and contributions to sport beyond competition.
The current nominations for Sportswoman of the Year showcase a remarkable array of female athletes who have excelled in their respective fields. From the international stage of the Laureus World Sports Awards, with nominees like Aryna Sabalenka, Simone Biles, Sifan Hassan, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, to national and regional awards recognizing local heroes like Tatjana Smith and Zeanne Law, women’s sport is being celebrated for its diversity and excellence. These nominations underscore the importance of recognizing women’s achievements in sport, both for inspiring new generations and for promoting equal visibility and respect for female athletes around the world. As awards seasons continue, fans and athletes alike will watch eagerly to see who claims the top honors and continues to push the boundaries of what sportswomen can achieve.