Kuala Lumpur: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Missy Franklin says the prestigious award means more to her than winning a medal at a major competition.
Franklin said she was honoured just to be nominated for the accolade alongside stellar sporting names such as tennis ace Serena Williams, Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and Jamaican sprint star Shelley-Ann Fraser.
The 18-year-old added that the ideals of Laureus, which supports underprivileged youngsters through community-based sports projects, matched her own.
She said: “All awards mean different things, but something like this can almost mean more than winning a medal or achieving a best time. Coming from an organisation with such similar values to myself and so many of the other athletes here, it’s just such an honour to be recognised by such a huge organisation that stands for the same things as you do.
“Laureus is in 34 countries now and reached over a million-and-a-half kids. That’s just unbelievable, using sport to change the world.”
Franklin said she did not feel superior to her five fellow nominees, adding: “I think all the nominees in every single category are amazing. I’ve spent hours Googling them and reading their story. And it’s unbelievable what all of these athletes have accomplished. So honestly, just to be here, I am thrilled, I am just excited.”
The 18-year-old said she was particularly delighted to be named alongside fellow American Williams in the nominations.
“I grew up watching Serena play tennis,” she said. “Her and her sister [Venus] are absolutely incredible. They have done so much for their sport and sport in general. Serena is such a great representation of what Laureus is all about – using sport to change the world. All the things she does are really incredible.”
