Dukurs, winner of his sixth world title and tenth consecutive European title this year, also won this award for the sixth time in an event endorsed by the Latvian Olympic Committee. 

He had previously been successful in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Dukurs, who took the Olympic silver medal at Sochi 2014, told an audience that included the Latvian President,  Egils Levits, that it had been an interesting year with two gold medals, but also injuries that made him value his health even more, adding that every year begins again from zero.

"If you're lucky enough to find something in life so dear to your heart, then you can move mountains," Dukurs said.

"That's the key."

It was a second consecutive award for Sevastova, winner of the the first-ever Women's Tennis Association tournament in the Latvian resort of Jūrmala, and who also reached the top eight in two Grand Slam tournaments, despite having her season affected by injury.

In the fan vote Latvian Television recognised sidecar motocross passenger Kaspars Stupelis as the most popular athlete of the year, and he also won athlete of the year in the technical sports category having claimed his fourth world title.

Beach volleyball players Tina Graudiņa and Anastasia Kravčenoka were recognized as the best team in the individual sports category.

They were also named most improved at the International Volleyball Federation World Tour Beach Volleyball Awards.

Latvia’s men's handball team was named team of the year for making it to the European Championship finals.

World athletics champion Diāna Dadzīte won the Paralympic Committee award for her two medals - gold in the javelin and  bronze in the discus.