It was both Olympic gold and world record in the final in Paris – among other things. The pole vault star also won both the European Championship and the indoor World Championship during the year. In total, there were three world records during the year.
You never get used to this... or, you maybe get a little used to it. But it feels very special, says Duplantis, who, among other things, directed a thank you to his parents.
Sjöström was awarded
Sarah Sjöström became the female athlete of the year.
The swimming star was awarded at the Sports Gala after her successful Olympic Games in Paris, where she won two gold medals.
This year, I planned to take a break, but I'm coming back. It takes courage to dare to stop, to rest, reflect and come back. It drives you forward, says Sjöström.
Sjöström was originally only going to swim the 50-meter freestyle during the Paris Olympic Games, but eventually also competed in the 100-meter freestyle – where she won, after a heroic performance. She then followed up the success with a more expected gold on the half distance.
During my fifth Olympic Games, my coach Tony insisted that I should give the 100 freestyle a last chance. I hesitated, but something in his words made me curious about what he saw in me and my ability, says Sjöström.
"Dream became reality"
The beach volleyball duo David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig were awarded as the team of the year after a brilliant Olympic Games in Paris last summer, where they withstood the favorite pressure and took gold despite a shaky start to the tournament.
It's a great, great honor to receive this award for the second year in a row. Winning gold in Paris was really a dream that became reality, says Åhman.
The newcomer of the year became 18-year-old judoka Tara Babulfath, who took Olympic bronze in the 48-kilogram class at the championship in Paris.
I don't know what to say, I'm super happy and I want to thank you all who supported me, it means a lot to me. We do this together, and I hope I get to see more of all you athletes and good luck to you back home who are also doing sports, soon you'll be standing here too, says she.
Pingis star Truls Möregårdh received the most votes and won the Jerring Award ahead of Armand Duplantis.
Team of the year: Jonatan Hellvig and David Åhman, beach volleyball
Newcomer of the year: Tara Babulfath, judo
Coach of the year: Jörgen Persson, table tennis
Cheerleader of the year: Oscar Mikaelsson, sports teacher
Female athlete of the year: Sarah Sjöström, swimming
The Sports Academy's honorary award: Gunde Svan, skiing
Male athlete of the year: Armand Duplantis, athletics
Sportspegel award: Vanessa Kamga, athletics
Performance of the year: Armand Duplantis, athletics
Referee award: Claes Grönberg
Jerring award: Truls Möregårdh, table tennis.
