Adlington wins prestigious Laureus sports award

REBECCA Adlington has won the 2009 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award for her swimming exploits in the Water Cube last summer.

DOUBLE GOLD: Rebecca Adlington has been presented with the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award in London

Adlington, who won the 400m and 800m freestyle titles in Beijing, the latter in a world record time, received the award from London 2012 chairman Lord Coe in east London.

"It is a real honour to win this award, it's quite awe-inspiring when you realise who the 46 members of the Laureus Academy who voted actually are," said Adlington.

"To be recognised by the likes of British legends such as Sir Ian Botham, Sir Bobby Charlton, Lord Coe, Daley Thompson, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, swimmers Mark Spitz and Dawn Fraser, is incredible.

"It's a unique award, made even more flattering when you look at the names of the other sportsmen and women who were nominated, not to mention the previous three winners - Lewis Hamilton, Amelie Mauresmo and Rafael Nadal.

"The last year has been a fantastic experience and I hope my journey towards London 2012 is equally as enjoyable."

GOOD COMPANY: Rebecca Adlington receives her Laureus award from Lord Coe and Dame Kelly Holmes with the 2012 Olympic stadium in the background (Laureus)

Adlington beat off competition from Grand Slam winning tennis players Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic, golfer Anthony Kim, F1 driver Sebastian Vettel and treble Olympic gymnastic champion Zou Kai.

"I congratulate Rebecca for an amazing performance in Beijing. I can totally identify with her. I have been there and I know how exciting this must be for here," said Dame Kelly Holmes, herself a double Olympic athletics champion five years ago.

"There is something very special about winning a gold medal - or two of them. And then to be acknowledged by the great champions of the Laureus Academy is just so thrilling."