Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has another award to add to his burgeoning trophy cabinet after being named World Sportsman of the Year at the prestigious Laureus Awards.
The four-time F1 champion picked up the award in Kuala Lumpur at a ceremony scaled back out of respect for those affected by the recent Malaysian air tragedy.
Former F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi presents Sebastian Vettel with his trophy
The 26-year-old, who has had little to cheer about this year as his Red Bull team struggles to catch up with their F1 rivals, will be hoping his fortunes change on Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix just two weeks after he retired from the opening race in Australia.
Vettel held off competition for the award from British athlete Mo Farah, Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt, NBA player LeBron James of Miami Heat, Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal and world Footballer of the Year and Real Madrid player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Story continues after slideshow
2014 Laureus World Sports Awards
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Formula One Driver Sebastian Vettel speaks as he receives the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Formula One Driver Sebastian Vettel receives the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award from Laureus Academy member Emerson Fittipaldi during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Formula One Driver Sebastian Vettel receives the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award from Laureus Academy member Emerson Fittipaldi during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Formula One Driver Sebastian Vettel speaks after winning the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year nominee and swimmer Missy Franklin attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin receives her Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award from Laureus Academy Member Mark Spitz on stage during the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Daniel Bruhl shakes the hand of Benedict Cumberbatch on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin speaks after winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Host Benedict Cumberbatch speaks on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Host Benedict Cumberbatch speaks on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Paul Breitner accepts the Laureus World Team of the Year award on behalf of Bayern Munich on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Daniel Bruhl speaks on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin receives her Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award from Laureus Academy Member Mark Spitz on stage during the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Johan Cruyff with the Laureus World Team of the Year award before announcing the winner on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Paul Breitner accepts the Laureus World Team of the Year award on behalf of Bayern Munich on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Eric Cantona arrives on during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Academy member Michael Johnson speaks on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin receives her Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award from Laureus Academy Member Mark Spitz on stage during the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin speaks after winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Eric Cantona arrives on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Eric Cantona arrives on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Eric Cantona arrives on stage during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Award show at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: BMX cyclist Jamie Bestwick winner of the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award poses with their trophy at the winners photo call during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: BMX cyclist Jamie Bestwick winner of the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award poses with their trophy at the winners photo call during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Ambassador Ruud Guillit and Maggie Jimenez sign a car at the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Bayern Munich Ambassador Paul Brietner collects the Laureus World Team of the Year award for winners Bayern Munich during the Winners Photocall for the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability winner Marie Bochet poses with her trophy during the Winners Photocall for the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Hidetoshi Nakata with Quinton Fortune hold the Laureus trophy during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Squash player and Laureus Ambassador Nicol David attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Hidetoshi Nakata attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year nominee and swimmer Missy Franklin attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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Laureus Ambassador Angelika Timanina attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year nominee and swimmer Missy Franklin attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Ambassador Ruud Guillit and Maggie Jimenez attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Dan Carter, from the New Zealand All Blacks a Laureus World Team of the Year nominees and guest attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Nico Hulkenberg and girlfriend Laura attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Formula One driver of Germany and Laureus Ambassador Nico Rosberg attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Winners Press Conference and Photocall - 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards(42 of64)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Missy Franklin winner of the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award poses with their trophy at the winners photocall during the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year winner Missy Franklin poses with her trophy during the Winners Photocall for the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year winner Missy Franklin poses with her trophy during the Winners Photocall for the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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Actor Jamie Foxx attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur. AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN (Photo credit should read ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Academy member Emerson Fittipaldi and guest attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Malaysian prime minister Tun Abdul Razak attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Malaysian prime minister Tun Abdul Razak shakes hands with Laureus Academy Chairman Edwin Moses attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Actor Jamie Foxx attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Actor Jamie Foxx attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Academy member Nadia Comaneci attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Academy member Lord Sebastian Coe and guest attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Academy member Lord Sebastian Coe and guest attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Ambassador Nico Rosberg attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Jamie Bestwick, Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Nominee and guest attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Academy member Dawn Fraser (L) and guests attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Gaizka Mendieta attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Gaizka Mendieta and Carmina Mendieta attends the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Academy member Michael Johnson and wife Armine Shamiryan attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Laureus Academy member Michael Johnson and wife Armine Shamiryan attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MARCH 26: Michael Laudrup and wife Siw Laudrup attend the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards at the Istana Budaya Theatre on March 26, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Laureus) (credit:Getty Images)
Swimmer Missy Franklin picked up the World Sportswoman of the Year trophy and at just 18 years old, she can claim another honour of being the youngest winner of the award. Among those the American beat to the award were tennis player Serena Williams, pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and skier Tina Maze.
Great Britain tasted success when BMX rider Jamie Bestwick held off Australian surfer Mick Fanning to win Action Sports Person of the Year.
European football champions Bayern Munich were named World Team of the Year just hours after they had clinched the Bundesliga title for a 24th time and with seven games to spare. Other winners included Rafael Nadal, 2013 French Open and US Open winner, for Comeback of the Year. while MotoGP's Marc Marquez claimed Breakthrough of the Year and skiier Marie Bochet won World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.