A Montrealer Just Won One Of Sports Illustrated's 'Sportsperson Of The Year' Awards

Montreal-born athlete Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has been putting his McGill medical degree to use and helping in the fight against the novel coronavirus in Quebec, and his efforts were just recognized by Sports Illustrated magazine.

Duvernay-Tardif, an offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, was nominated as one of the magazine's five "Sportsperson of the Year."

In 2020, the five winners were chosen for being "activist athletes."

In the magazine's article about this year's award, Duvernay-Tardif is highlighted.

"He was the starting right guard for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. But he's also a doctor, and when the pandemic came, Duvernay-Tardif traded in his uniform and cleats for medical scrubs," the article says.

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The other four athletes who won "Sportsperson of the Year" awards in 2020 are LeBron James, Breanna Stewart, Naomi Osaka, and Patrick Mahomes.

Sports Illustrated defines these five humans as being "champions in every sense of the word: champions on the field [and] champions for others off it."

In his Instagram post about the award, Duvernay-Tardif wrote, "As athletes, we have the power to make a positive impact in our society. To be recognized for my involvement off the field by one of the biggest sport awards means everything to me."

"I dedicate this award to all the healthcare workers who have been making huge sacrifices in order to protect and care for others."

He ended his message to his followers by reminding everyone that "the work isn't over."