(Serena Williams winner of the 2015 sports illustrated sportsperson of the year)
Serena Jameka Williams (born on 26th September 1981) a professional tennis player from the United States won the sports illustrated sportsperson of the year award in 2015.
Sports illustrated an American magazine presents this award annually every year. This magazine is owned by Meredith Corporation. This magazine came into existence in August 1954 and since then this magazine has been presenting the award.
Sports Illustrated presents the sportsperson of the year award annually to the athlete or team for exceptional performance in their respective field of sports and for their achievements which have been achieved in the spirit of sportsmanship. This award was originally named as “Sportsman of the year” and renamed as “sportswoman of the year” as applicable. At present this award is called as sportsperson of the year.
Sports illustrated trophy is 8 cm in diameter and stands 18.5 cm high. The trophy is a replica of the ancient Greek amphora which depicts nude male Hellenistic athletes engaged in a variety of athletic activities. The original trophy acquired by sports illustrated magazine 1954 was donated to the national museum of American history in 1979. The winners are presented with a copy of the trophy made in silver.
Serena Williams an American tennis player who turned pro in October 1995 won the award in 2015.she was ranked world no 1 by women’s tennis association on eight separate occasions. She held on to the No 1 place for 319 weeks. She holds the most grand slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories.
Serena Williams has 72 career titles to her name in the singles category which is inclusive of the four major grand slam events Australian Open, US Open, French Open and Wimbledon. She has 23 career titles to her name in doubles category which is also inclusive of the four major grand slam events.
Apart from representing the US in the grand slam events, Serena has also represented her country in the Olympic Games. She has won Olympic Gold Medals each in 2000 Sydney Olympics in doubles category, 2008 Beijing Olympics in doubles category and two Golds in 2012 London Olympics in doubles as well as singles category.
Because of her achievements, Serena Williams is regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time.
