OMEGA congratulates the two deserving athletes on their accomplishments and international recognition at the awards ceremony in Rio.

OMEGA ambassadors Michael Phelps and Jessica Ennis, two of the most widely recognised athletes from the London 2012 Olympic Games, were celebrated at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Rio de Janeiro on 11 March.

Olympic legend and swimming sensation Michael Phelps, with a total of 22 Olympic medals to his name, was the first winner of the new “Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award”. Jessica Ennis, heptathlon gold medallist and the face of Team Great Britain during the London Games, was recognised as the “Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year”.

The Laureus World Sports Awards – considered the premiere honours event on the international sporting calendar - is an annually held event which honours the most remarkable sportsmen and sportswomen and their achievements from the previous calendar year. Winners are selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a jury made up of 46 of the most impressive sportsmen and sportswomen including Olympians Mark Spitz, Nadia Comaneci and Steve Redgrave.

While accepting their awards on stage, Michael Phelps and Jessica Ennis both sported OMEGA timepieces. A testament to his record 18 Olympic gold medals, Michael Phelps wore the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M in 18K red gold, and Jessica Ennis flaunted a diamond-set Aqua Terra 150M in stainless steel.