Keely Hodgkinson wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Keely Hodgkinson has been named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Keely Hodgkinson has won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
The 22-year-old middle-distance runner won the gold medal in the women’s 800 metres at the Paris Olympics, and she's now claimed the coveted accolade ahead of England cricketer Joe Root and darts player Luke Littler.
Hodgkinson - who remained unbeaten throughout the athletics season - said after receiving her award: "I am in shock.
"This year has been absolutely incredible for me. I have achieved everything I wanted to on the outdoor track."
The runner also felt proud to follow in the footsteps of some "British icons", including the likes of Sir Andy Murray and Sir Lewis Hamilton.
She said: "When you look at the names of the winners down the list, you have got Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton, British icons, so it is great to put my name up there.
"As a little girl, I dared to dream big. Just to be in this position now, with hopefully a long career and many more medals ahead, is a real privilege. I’m looking forward to hopefully doing it all again."
Hodgkinson - who has become the fourth successive woman to win the award - also thanked her coach, Trevor Painter, for guiding her to success in 2024.
The runner - who won the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics - shared: "I am actually more excited for my coach Trevor because I wouldn’t be where I am without him and his guidance that I have had since I was 17."
Elsewhere, Luke Littler received the Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
The 17-year-old darts player said: "It shows how well I have done this year. I know how big the sport has got - and it just goes to show how much I have changed it."
Meanwhile, Mark Cavendish received the Lifetime Achievement Award after breaking the record for the most stage wins at the Tour de France.
