‘Big Dreamer’ Keeley Hodgkinson named BBC Sports Personality of the Year | BBC Sports Personality of the Year

No one could stop Keeley Hodgkinson on the track in 2024. Such was the battle for public opinion, after all, when the Olympic 800m champion won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

The 22-year-old, from Atherton, near Wigan, won Olympic and European gold medals, broke her own British record and remained unbeaten for two laps.

Luke Littler, a 17-year-old darts prodigy, achieved second place in 2024 after making it to the finals of the World Darts Championship, followed by English cricketer Joe Root in third place. But on this night, Hodgkinson became the fourth woman to win the award in consecutive years, joining Emma Laducane in 2021, Beth Mead in 2022 and Mary Earps last year.

The victory was achieved in classic Hodgkinson style. As with the Paris Games, she was a heavy favorite ahead of time. And once again she emerged from a stacked field to justify her potential.

“I’m actually a little shocked,” she admitted, before hearing a cry of “Keely!” Keeley! ” echoed through the audience at Salford’s Media City. “This year has been truly incredible for me. I accomplished everything I set out to do.”

Her father, Dean, previously told how Hodgkinson competed in a local cross-country race as a child and not only won, but also lapped everyone. “I have always believed that I have a bit of talent and I can bring out the best in myself. I got a lot of inspiration from Jess Ennis at the London 2012 Games and started dreaming. ” she said.

These dreams quickly became a reality, but after winning three silver medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, she told everyone that “something like that will never happen again.” Said. And it was proven. And to cap off a perfect night for Hodgkinson, her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows were named Coach of the Year. The husband and wife pair not only led Hodgkinson to gold, but also guided Georgia Bell and Lewis Davey to bronze medals in the women’s 1500m and 4x400m relay.

“In fact, I’m more excited about Coach Trevor than I am because without him and his guidance that I’ve had since I was 17 years old, I wouldn’t be here right now,” Hodgkinson said. .

Meanwhile, Painter and Meadows were quick to return the compliment. “We’re very proud,” Painter said. “We’re thrilled with this year’s success. Spotty is something we look forward to every year.”

Meadows added: “I still have to pinch myself to think that Keeley is 22 years old and has won an Olympic title and four world medals in four years in a row. It’s pretty crazy, but… We see her work hard every day and she really deserves this moment tonight. It’s great to get another trophy in the cabinet.”

A brilliant night for athletics concluded with pole vaulter Armand Duplantis being named World Star of the Year after retaining his Olympic pole vault title and breaking his own world record three times. Ta.

Littler, on the other hand, compensated for missing out on a major award by being named Young Personality. “I know how big this sport has become. Tickets for the Premier League and Ally Pally sold out within hours,” he said. “It just goes to show how much I’ve changed.”

The show, which had its first ever all-female hosts in Claire Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, also paid tribute to Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes and the retiring Andy Murray. The packed crowd also enjoyed a section in which the Strictly Come Dancing judges judged the footwork of the six contestants, with Motsi Mabuse in particular praising Root’s ability to “wear an all-white outfit” and “great attitude”. did.

One of the most emotional moments was when former boxer Dr Mark Prince received the Helen Rollazon Award for his work in combating knife crime. The Prince’s 15-year-old son Kiyan was a promising footballer at QPR when he was murdered in 2006. Since Prince’s death, his father has worked to prevent youth violence through boxing, life coaching and founding the Kyan Prince Foundation.

When Barry McGuigan presented him with the award, Prince was close to tears, saying: “It was an indescribable pain.” “But I’m proud that I didn’t give in to resentment or revenge. There is hope. It’s about harnessing the power of choice to create a legacy.”

Elsewhere, Mark Cavendish received a lifetime achievement award after a season in which he broke Eddy Merckx’s Tour de France victory record. Wigan Warriors won four Rugby League titles, including the World Club Challenge and Super League Grand Final, and won the Team of the Year award. And while Littler was the night’s youngest winner, 90-year-old Jean Paton won the Unsung Hero Award for her 40 years of volunteering at Salterns Sailing Club in Hampshire. There was no doubt that he was older.