United States gymnast Simone Biles has been crowned World Sportswoman of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.

The 19-year-old won four gold medals and a bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, living up to her billing as a pre-Games favourite to dominate her sport.

Biles was recognised at a ceremony in Monaco on Tuesday, becoming the first gymnast to scoop the prize in the men's or women's category.

She succeeds three-time winner Serena Williams in holding the award - the seventh time an American has won.

In addition to her team, all-around, vault and floor golds in Rio, Biles has won 10 gold medals at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.