李娜获劳伦斯奖杰出成就奖

Li Na, the two-time Grand Slam winner, gracefully accepted the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement, despite being out-voted for Sportswoman of the Year.

"It's a recognition from premier world sports awards. For me, it's a fortune to choose tennis,"

Li Na is only the 2nd person to win the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award.

American Swimmer Michael Phelps won the first award for being the most decorated Olympian in history.

In accepting the award, Li Na says she is honored enough just to be nominated.

"No matter what, I think the Laureus Awards represent the highest honor in the world of sports, and that's why it's every athlete's dream to win this award. I was not aware of the Exceptional Achievement before, so all of my attention was put on Sportswoman of the Year, wondering if I had a chance to beat Serena this time."

But much to the surprise of many, Li Na's former competitor, Serena Williams, didn't win Sportwoman of the Year either.

That honor has gone to Ethiopian track star Genzebe Dibaba.

She broke 3 world records in three different events in two weeks.

Meanwhile, Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming was awarded the Spirit of Sport award.

"When it comes to the spirit of sports, we can think of so many ways to describe: never to give up, tough, be strong facing rivals, make it to the end. But sometimes we forget that these spirit may not only stay in the field, we should also hold onto them in our life. I believe every athlete, whatever sports they play, will live their life with the spirit of sports. "

Other winners on the night included Novak Djokovic for Sportsman of the Year.

The World number-1 tennis player won the Wimbledon for the second time last year for his 7th career Grand Slam title.

Germany's Men's football took "Team of the Year" for their success at last year's World Cup in Brazil.

Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo earned the "Breakthrough of the Year" award for winning three Grand Prix during his rookie year.

"Comeback of the Year" went to South African rugby player Schalk Burger.

Burger survived a life-threatening bacterial meningitis infection to later return to the Springboks as a starter.

For CRI, I'm Niu Honglin in Shanghai.