Reigning Jamaican sprint champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was today (May 8) awarded the Laureus ‘World Sportswoman of the Year’ award at a glitzy ceremony in the French capital Paris.

Fraser-Pryce was unassailable in 2022, as she stormed her way to a historic fifth gold medal in the women’s 100-metre dash at the World Athletics Championship in Eugene, Oregon.

The Mommy Rocket also dominated the competitive circuit as she claimed her fifth Wanda Diamond League trophy in the blue ribbon event.

Jamaica renews its hold on the Laureus trophy as Fraser-Pryce’s win replaces last year’s SOTY awardee and compatriot Elaine Thompson-Herah.

It is the first back-to-back win for track athletes in the 23-year history of the Laureus Sports Awards since Marion Jones and Cathy Freeman in 2000 and 2001.

Argentine talisman Lionel Messi won the top award for men.

Messi is also the first ever athlete to win the Laureus ‘World Sportsman of the Year’ and ‘World Team of the Year’ awards in the same year. for his role in steering Argentina to their third World Cup title in Qatar.

Retired sprint legend Usain Bolt has won the Laureus ‘sportsman of the year’ accolade thrice in his career, 2009, 2013 and 2017.