Michael Schumacher ended a controversial week on a high note last night when he was named the 2002 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.
The German motor racing driver, who won nine grand prix on his way to last year’s Formula One world title, claimed the award ahead of golfer Tiger Woods - the winner for the past two years - plus Tour de France cycling king Lance Armstrong, sprint ace Maurice Greene, and swimming sensation Ian Thorpe.
American Jennifer Capriati, the reigning French and Australian Open tennis champion, won the Sportswoman of the Year title, finishing ahead of compatriot Venus Williams, record-breaking pole vaulter Stacy Dragila, swimming sensation Inge de Bruijn and golfer Annika Sorenstam.
The Australian cricket team, who stretched their world record winning streak in Test matches to 16 last year, were named Laureus World Team of the Year.
Wimbledon tennis champion Goran Ivanisevic won the Comeback of the Year award, while another Formula One driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, was voted World Newcomer of the Year.