Chinese Olympic gold medalist Liu Xiang has been awarded the 2005 Laureus World Newcomer of the Year.

　　The 110-meter hurdle champion at the Athens Olympics became the second Chinese to win the award after Yao Ming won it in 2003.

　　World top tennis player Roger Federer and Britain’s double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively.

　　European championship winner Greek soccer team won the team award, while the Boston Red Sox baseball team won a special Spirit of Sport Award.

　　There were also awards for Italian racing driver Alessandro Zanardi, Canadian Paralympics athlete Chantal Petitclerc and record-breaking yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur.

　　The awards are decided by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a jury of 40 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time.

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