Melbourne, Australia, 3 February 2022 | Leigh Rogers
Ash Barty could soon have another coveted award to add to her growing trophy cabinet.
The 25-year-old Australian is one of six nominees for the prestigious Laureus Sportswoman of the Year at the upcoming 2022 Laureus World Sports Awards.
Barty is nominated alongside fellow Australian Emma McKeon (swimming), as well as Americans Allyson Felix (athletics) and Katie Ledecky (swimming), Spaniard Alexis Putellas (football) and Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah (athletics).
This is the first time Barty has been nominated for the award, which has been presented annually since 2000, and she becomes the first Australian female tennis player to receive the honour.
✨ Six inspirational sportswomen have been nominated for the 2022 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. They are:
🎾 @ashbarty
🏃♀️ @allysonfelix
🏊♀️ @katieledecky
🏊♀️ @emma_mckeon
⚽️ @alexiaputellas
🏃♀️ @FastElaine#Laureus22 pic.twitter.com/CnW6T2e85b— Laureus (@LaureusSport) February 2, 2022
Athletics star Cathy Freeman is the only previous Australian winner, receiving the 2001 award.
Barty is the sixth Australian in total to be nominated for this award, joining golfer Karrie Webb (2001) as well as swimmers Libby Lenton (2008), Stephanie Rice (2009) and Emma McKeon (2022).
The Laureus World Sports Awards nominees are selected by a panel of 1300 sports journalists, then members of the Laureus World Sports Academy vote to decide the winners.
Award winners will be announced in April.