Tennis stars Roger Federer and Justine Henin took top honours at the 2008 Laureus Sports Awards in St Petersburg on Monday - but there was also joy for two Britons.
Federer was named Sportsman of the Year for the fourth year in a row after scooping three of the four Grand Slam titles on offer in 2007.
And Henin took the equivalent female award after a highly impressive 2007 season - one she described as "the best of my career so far'' - which saw her lose just four matches, capturing the French and US Open titles along the way.
Speaking as he received the award, Federer said he had no plans to retire in the near future, with Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles firmly in his sights.
The Swiss star said: "My goal is to play as long as possible - maybe until I am 35.
"I have 12 Grand Slams, and Pete has 14 - of course it is on my mind now. I think it is going to be very difficult.''
There was also British success with Lewis Hamilton and Paula Radcliffe both picking up gongs.
Hamilton was chosen for the Breakthrough of the Year award after finishing runner-up in Formula One's world championship, missing out on the title by just a single point.
And Radcliffe took the honours in the Comeback of the Year category having returned to action following the birth of her daughter, recording a stunning win in November's New York Marathon.
Hamilton said: "It's quite a strange feeling being here. I feel a bit overwhelmed.
"Looking around (at the nominees) I didn't think I deserved it as much as the others.
"I just hope I can do my country proud and I keep working and achieve all my goals in the future.
"This year I will approach it with the same determination if not more.''
South Africa's rugby union team won the Team of the Year award for their efforts in lifting the Rugby World Cup, while pole vault legend Sergey Bubka was awarded a lifetime achievement award. He still holds the world record, almost 14 years after setting it at 6.14m.
The winners were chosen from a shortlist of six by the Laureus World Sports Academy, made up of former sports stars.
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