sportbible
KEELY HODGKINSON has been awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The decision was disappointing for runner-up Luke Littler, who placed second at the prestigious event held in MediaCity, Salford.
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Other nominees included footballer Jude Bellingham, triathlete Alex Yee, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, and cricketer Joe Root.
Hodgkinson, 22, was a prominent member of Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She secured gold in the 800m event and made the moment even more special by wearing a crown during her celebration.
Upon receiving the award, she expressed her astonishment, saying she felt “shocked”.
She stated: “I am a bit shocked.
“I am even more excited for my coaches [Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows], as I wouldn’t be here without their support.
“This year has been incredible, and I have achieved everything I aimed for on the outdoor track.
“I hope you look forward to watching in Paris, and wish you all a wonderful evening.”
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Originally from Atherton, she won the European title in Rome just two months before her competition in France.
Hodgkinson broke the British national record and positioned herself as the sixth fastest woman ever.
Check out behind-the-scenes at SPOTY 2024
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SPOTY top three
Here are the top three in the SPOTY Award voting.
1. Keely Hodgkinson, Olympian
2. Luke Littler, Darts
3. Joe Root, Cricket
In August, she was sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a “minor injury”.
She made a stunning arrival at the red carpet before the ceremony, donning a black dress.
Earlier this month, her hometown of Birmingham celebrated her with a display in a Pret a Manger location.
A window exhibit showcased the moment she won gold in the branch situated on New Street.
Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were acknowledged as Coaches of the Year.
Littler, at age 17, gained fame after his impressive run to the previous PDC World Championship final.
He was narrowly defeated by Luke Humphries, but his journey has led him to be a prominent figure in darts.
Littler has won several major titles and has earned over £1 million in prize money through his achievements.
His accomplishments in 2024 encompass leading the Premier League Darts and triumphing in both the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Series Finals.
Littler’s ascent in the sport has made him a household name and the most searched athlete of the year.
He is also to be celebrated with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
Littler found consolation in winning the Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
Upon accepting the tribute, he stated: “This reflects how well I’ve performed this year.
“Not only for myself but I’ve contributed to a transformation in the sport of darts.
“I’ve witnessed a surge in academies opening in various areas and the immense growth of the sport.
“Tickets for events at the Ally Pally sell out within hours, and the Premier League has enjoyed great success – it highlights the impact I’ve made.”
The other nominated athletes had impressive years in their respective sports.
Root became England’s top scorer in Test cricket, breaking Sir Alastair Cook‘s record.
The batter’s fantastic performance placed him third in the voting.
However, he was unable to attend the ceremony due to England’s final Test series in New Zealand, which concluded on Monday night.
Dame Storey won two gold medals in the C4-C5 road race and the C5 time trials at the Paris Games.
Bellingham shone for England during their run to the Euro 2024 final, and played a crucial role at Real Madrid in achieving the Champions League and La Liga titles.
Yee created memorable moments at the Olympics, culminating in his gold medal in triathlon.
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