The glittering ceremony at Central Hall, right in the heart of London, saw numerous stars in attendance - including British Hollywood actor Clive Owen who hosted the event - but the night undoubtedly belonged to Djokovic just eight days after he defeated Spain's Rafael Nadal in an epic five-set thriller in the final of the Australian Open.

The win against Nadal, who was incidentally crowned 2011 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year last year in Abu Dhabi, came after an incredible year for Djokovic that saw him finish 2011 with 70 wins and just six loses.

During the remarkable season, the 24-year-old from Belgrade claimed three of the four Grand Slam titles with victories in the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open respectively while he also secured the world number one ranking for the first time to confirm his status as favourite for the London 2012 Olympic tennis competition.

Meanwhile Cheruiyot took the women's prize after the 28-year-old from Keiyo District claimed a superb double with victories in the 5000 and 10,000 metres at the 2011 World Athletics Championships in Daegu.


The season also saw her win all nine of the track events she competed in over the year.

There was a touching moment in the ceremony as the legendary Manchester United and England footballer Sir Bobby Charlton, who was absent due to illness, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement prize on what was the 54th anniversary since the Munich Air Disaster.

The crash, involving the Manchester United football team nicknamed the 'Busby Babes', saw 20 of the 44 people on board the aircraft killed with Sir Bobby, who is now 74, being one of the survivors.

He went on to win the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, two years after winning the World Cup with England.

Sir Bobby Charlton was unable to receive the accolade in person because he felt unwell on Sunday and returned to Manchester earlier today for minor surgery so the trophy was accepted on his behalf by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Sir Bobby is fine, but it was felt he should go back to Manchester," said Sir Alex (pictured below left with actor Clive Owen).


"He is very annoyed not to be here to receive this award.

"I'll be taking the statuette back to Old Trafford for him.

"He loves the work he does for Laureus and I know how delighted he is to have received this tribute.

"It was already a very emotional night for Bobby.

"This is the 54th anniversary of the Munich air disaster when we lost eight of our young players.

"Through that time Bobby has kept his fantastic humility, and that makes him very special to me."

Elsewhere, the 2012 team prize went to Barcelona FC after Pep Guardiola's star-studded side, spearheaded by Argentinean superstar Lionel Messi, held off Real Madrid to win La Liga and then emphatically defeated Manchester United 3-1 in May at Wembley Stadium to pick up the 2011 Champions League crown.


The Comeback of the Year trophy went to Northern Irish golfer Darren Clarke after the 43-year-old sensationally won the 2011 Open Championship in what was his first major win after more than 20 years and 54 attempts.

There was also success for another golfer from Northern Ireland as 22-year-old star Rory McIlroy picked up the Breakthrough of the Year prize for winning the 2011 US Open, his first major, and rising to the world number two ranking just behind England's Luke Donald.

Four-time Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius took the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award after the 25-year-old from Johannesburg became the first amputee athlete to compete at the able-bodied World Athletics Championships at Daegu 2011 where he reached the 400m semi-final and ran as part of South African team that secured silver in the 4x400m relay.

Finally, the World Action Sportsperson of the Year trophy went to American surfer Kelly Slater the 39-year-old from Florida became the oldest World Champion of all time by claiming the prestigious title for an eleventh-time in 2011.

British Prime Minister David Cameron admitted his delight that the event had come to the English capital less than six months before the Olympic Games arrive.

"It is fantastic to have Laureus here as our partner, celebrating our sporting history, culture and traditions, and recognising the inspirational power of sport as excitement builds towards the London 2012 Olympic Games," he said.

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