Keely Hodgkinson Wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award
Source: Sky News
Keely Hodgkinson has capped off an extraordinary year by claiming the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. The 22-year-old 800m runner secured the public vote, beating darts sensation Luke Littler and England cricketer Joe Root, who finished second and third respectively.
Hodgkinson’s achievements in 2024 have been nothing short of remarkable. She claimed gold at the Paris Olympics, surpassing the silver medal she won in Tokyo three years earlier. She also retained her European title and shattered her own British record, running the sixth-fastest time in history in front of a packed crowd in London.
Speaking at the awards ceremony in Salford, Hodgkinson reflected on her remarkable year. “This year has been incredible, and I achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track. I hope you enjoyed watching Paris as much as I loved competing there. Wishing you all a wonderful evening,” she said.
Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were also honoured, winning the Coach of the Year award for their role in Hodgkinson’s success.
Elsewhere, Sir Mark Cavendish received a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by fellow cycling legend Sir Bradley Wiggins. Known as the “Manx Missile,” Cavendish retired this year after breaking the record for most Tour de France stage wins, achieving his 35th in July.
In the Young Sports Personality category, 17-year-old darts star Luke Littler claimed the title after a stellar year that included 10 tournament wins. Littler, who finished runner-up for the main award, thanked fans on social media: “Support this year has been amazing, and I want to say thank you to everyone who voted and sent messages.”
Joe Root, who came third in the main vote, enjoyed a historic year in cricket. He became England’s leading Test run-scorer and set a record-breaking 454-run partnership with Harry Brook against Pakistan. Reflecting on his journey, Root said, “It’s been one hell of a journey. To surpass Cooky [Sir Alastair Cook], someone I’ve always looked up to, was a special moment.”
The ceremony celebrated another standout year for British sport, with many inspiring performances across a variety of disciplines.