Jordan Spieth didn’t win Sportsman of the Year, did win Breakthrough of the Year

Spieth had a pretty special 2016

A while ago, we told you that Jordan Spieth had been shortlisted for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.

The Laureus awards, which involve the difficult task of comparing stars from a variety of sports and trying to decide who had the better year, ultimately decided that Novak Djokovic, who reached four grand slam finals and won three of them, had a better 2015 than Usain Bolt, Stephen Curry, Lewis Hamilton, Lionel Messi and golf’s own wonderkid, Jordan Spieth. 

The night wasn’t one of disappointment for Spieth, however, as the 22-year-old was awarded the title of Breakthrough of the Year for his performances last year. Spieth beat the Chile men’s football team, Jason Day, Tyson Fury, Adam Peaty and Max Verstappen to that title.

“For me, it’s unique, because we’re used to being recognised in the golf community,” said Spieth, who did not attend the awards ceremony in Berlin. “This award recognises us around the world to all of sport.”

Who knows, if Masters champ Danny Willett can bag himself a few more majors this year, or Bryson DeChambeau can fulfil the huge amount of promise he’s showing, golf might have a couple more Laureus Awards winners next year…