The prestigious Laureus Awards was held in Malaysia Kuala Lumpur. The glitzy awards ceremony was scaled down as a mark of respect for the victims of the ill- fated Malaysian airlines MH - 370. US Swimmer Missy Franklin picked up the World Sportswoman of the Year trophy and at just 18 years old, she can claim another honour of being the youngest winner of the award. Among those the American beat to the award were fellow compatriot tennis player the world number one Serena Williams, Russian diva pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and skier Tina Maze. Spanish World number one tennis player Rafael Nadal was fittingly awarded the comeback of the year award .