Four top athletes, Jan Frodeno, Sebastian Steudtner, Alex Thomson, and Garrett McNamara, are standing on a hill overlooking Monaco. Underneath the low hanging clouds seagulls are circling, the Mediterranean is clamoring nearby. The athletes have travelled to the principality on the Côte d’Azur for the Laureus Sports Awards.
The awards, cofounded by Mercedes-Benz, have become an integral part of the world of top sports and an internationally recognized accolade since the inaugural ceremony in the year 2000. Tonight the awards will be presented for the 17th time and the city is full of big name stars.