Aussie Gilmore wins Laureus Award

Australia's world champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore has won the action sports category at the prestigious Laureus Sports Awards in Abu Dhabi overnight.

Gilmore, who has won three straight world titles, finally topped the category in her third nomination.

She was chosen ahead of men's world champion Mick Fanning, also from the Tweed Coast in New South Wales.

The win comes just days after Gilmore began her campaign for a fourth consecutive world crown in perfect style by winning the season-opening event on the Gold Coast.