Gymnast Biles wins Laureus Sportswoman of the Year

The 19-year-old won four gold medals and a bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, living up to her billing as a pre-Games favourite to dominate her sport.

Biles was recognised at a ceremony in Monaco on Tuesday, becoming the first gymnast to scoop the prize in the men's or women's category.

United States gymnast Simone Biles has been crowned World Sportswoman of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.

READ: >Simone Biles: Vaulting to stardom

The 19-year-old won four gold medals and a bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, living up to her billing as a pre-Games favourite to dominate her sport.

Biles was recognised at a ceremony in Monaco on Tuesday, becoming the first gymnast to scoop the prize in the men's or women's category.

She succeeds three-time winner Serena Williams in holding the award - the seventh time an American has won.

In addition to her team, all-around, vault and floor golds in Rio, Biles has won 10 gold medals at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.