Keely Hodgkinson has won BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024, adding the award to the 800m gold she won at the Olympic Games this summer.
England cricketer Joe Root claimed third place and darts sensation Luke Littler came second, while also winning the Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
The nominees missing out on a top three finish were Jude Bellingham, Sarah Storey and Alex Yee.
The 22-year-old Hodgkinson came out on top, though, after being one of the stars of Team GB in Paris as she won her first Olympic gold in style.
It was an emotional step up from silver for Hodgkinson after finishing second at the Tokyo Games and winning silvers at the 2022 and ’23 World Championship finals.
After picking up the award, she said: ‘Thank you so much. I’m actually more excited for more coach to be honest because I wouldn’t be where I am without him and his guidance that I’ve had since I was 17.
‘This year has been absolutely incredible for me. I’ve achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track which is kind of rare so I’m so grateful to be in this position.
‘Thank you to everyone who voted at home as well. I hope you all loved watching the Paris Games as much as I loved competing in it. I wish you all a wonderful evening. Thank you so much.’
Speaking of how her life has changed since her summer success, she said: ‘I think there’s definitely a difference.
‘It’s been amazing ever since Paris, people have come up to me with such amazing messages saying their kids loved to watch it. It’s crazy to think little girls have watched that and been inspired to get into sport and athletics. That’s crazy.’
17-year-old Littler came second and won the Young Sports Personality of the Year, beating skateboarder Sky Brown, Para-swimmer William Ellard to that award.
Sports Personality of the Year 2024 nominees
- Jude Bellingham
- Keely Hodgkinson
- Luke Littler
- Joe Root
- Sarah Storey
- Alex Yee
Sports Personality of the Year category winners
Sports Personality of the Year – Keely Hodgkinson
World Sport Star of the Year – Armand Duplantis
Helen Rollason award – Dr Mark Prince
Young Sports Personality of the Year – Luke Littler
Unsung Hero – Jean Paton
Coach of the Year – Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows
Team of the Year – Wigan Warriors
Lifetime Achievement award – Mark Cavendish
MORE: BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024: Full odds and favourite to win revealed
MORE: World Darts Championship 2025 schedule, draw, prize money, TV channel and odds
MORE: West Ham’s run of Monday night success will hit the buffers when they visit bubbly Bournemouth
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com