Bolt, Ennis adjudged best

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and British heptathlete Jessica Ennis won the Laureus World Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards on Monday following their success at the 2012 London Olympic Games. 

The team of the year award went to Europe's Ryder Cup team after their stunning victory over the United States at Medinah last September.

Bolt, who also won the award in 2009 and 2010, won gold in the 100, 200 and 4x100 metres relay in London to repeat his medal haul from Beijing.

He was not there in person to receive the award at Rio's Theatro Municpal but appeared via a hologram. Wearing a suit and tie and holding the trophy in his hands, Bolt promised to defend his Olympic titles at the 2016 Rio Games.

"Definitely I will be here in 2016," he said.

Also nominated for the award was American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won four gold and two silver medals in London to become the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Phelps was given a new award for Exceptional Achievement, which he collected at the gala ceremony in the 2016 Olympics host city just hours after participating in a swimming class for children at a Rio slum. "Being able to be given an award from athletes who are icons in their sports, it's just a tremendous honour," Phelps said at a news conference. "My life just keeps getting better and better,’’ he added.

List of the 2013 Laureus Awards: World Sportsman of the Year: Usain Bolt. World Sportswoman of the Year: Jessica Ennis. World Team of the Year: European Ryder Cup Team. World Breakthrough of the Year: Andy Murray. World Comeback of the Year: Felix Sanchez. World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Daniel Dias. World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Felix Baumgartner. Lifetime Achievement Award: Sebastian Coe. Exceptional Achievement Award: Michael Phelps.