Ryf achieves nomination for a female triathlete but misses title as World Sportswoman

Daniela Ryf has missed out on claiming the title of World Sportswoman of the Year 2018 but she has achieved a number of firsts - first female triathlete and first Swiss woman nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards. Announced at a gala event in Monaco, the award went to four-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles, 21, from the USA.

As the first Swiss woman and first female triathlete ever to be nominated, the 31-year-old from Solothurn was honoured to be part of the event: "I think this is a big thing for triathlon," said Ryf. "I am delighted to be able to represent my sport. It's great that triathlon is so well-perceived internationally and I'm not disappointed that I didn't win. It's great to be able to be a part of this with such great athletes."

Four-time Ironman winner Daniela Ryf, Biles, Simona Halep (tennis), Angelique Kerber (tennis), Mikaela Shiffrin (alpine skiing) and Ester Ledecka (ski/snowboard) were among the six illustrious athletes nominated for their outstanding performances in 2018.

Ryf arrived for the gala evening in Monaco directly from the training camp on Gran Canaria. After the Laureus World Sports Awards, Daniela Ryf is in Switzerland for one week. After that another training block of three weeks on Gran Canaria is planned.