World class: Jess Ennis
The Laureus Sports Awards honour outstanding global sportsmen and women, and the 2013 shortlist was announced last night in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, home of the 2016 Olympics.
Alongside TeamGB's Jessica Ennis on the stellar list of nominees, across six categories, are footballer Lionel Messi, Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel and a throng of international sporting stars including sprinter Usain Bolt and swimmer Michael Phelps.
Jess Ennis on life after the London Olympics
Pitted against Jess in the Sportswoman of the Year category are tennis player Serena Williams and America’s 200m Olympic gold medallist Allyson Felix, who recently claimed the IAAF Female World Athlete of the Year Award.
How to get abs like Ennis
Although we’ll have to wait until March 11, 2013, for the panel to announce the winner of the Laureus Sports Awards, this Sunday we find out who has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Jessica Ennis is in the running along with other 2012 heroes including Ellie Simmonds, Nicola Adams, Kath Grainger and Sarah Storey. It's decided by public vote so remember to have your say. Find out more about SPOTY here.
