In a night celebrating the very best of British sporting success, it was Keely Hodgkinson who shone brightest as she was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2024. The 22-year-old 800m sensation capped an unbeaten season by claiming the prestigious award, seeing off competition from a star-studded field.
Golden Girl Triumphs After Flawless Year
Hodgkinson’s victory was the culmination of a truly remarkable 12 months which saw her sweep all before her. The Wigan athlete kicked off her campaign by striking gold at the Paris Olympics, before going on to claim the European crown and shatter her own British record.
Stepping up to receive her award at a packed Media City in Salford, Hodgkinson struggled to contain her emotions. “As a little girl, I dared to dream big,” she said, fighting back tears. “This year has been absolutely incredible for me. I’ve achieved everything I set out to do.”
“I am actually a bit in shock. I always knew I had a bit of talent. I took great inspiration from Jess Ennis at London 2012 and I started to dream.”
Keely Hodgkinson, Olympic 800m Champion
Painting the Perfect Picture
It proved to be the perfect night for Team Hodgkinson, as her coaches Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows scooped the Coach of the Year prize. The husband-and-wife duo have overseen Keely’s meteoric rise, guiding her to Olympic, world and European medals by the age of just 22.
“I am actually more excited for my coach Trevor because I wouldn’t be where I am without him and his guidance since I was 17.”
Keely Hodgkinson on her coaching team
Painter and Meadows were quick to pay tribute to their star pupil. “It is exciting the success we have had this year,” said Painter. “Keely really deserves this moment. It is great to get another trophy in the cabinet.”
Teen Darts Ace Claims Young SPOTY Crown
In the Young Sports Personality of the Year category, it was 17-year-old darts prodigy Luke Littler who hit the bullseye. Littler has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough year, reaching the final of the PDC world darts championship.
“I know how big the sport has got, tickets for the Premier League and Ally Pally sold out in hours. It just goes to show how much I have changed it.”
Luke Littler, Young Sports Personality of the Year
Lifetime Achievement for Cavendish
Cycling legend Mark Cavendish was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award after breaking the record for Tour de France stage wins. The ‘Manx Missile’ overtook Eddy Merckx’s longstanding record of 34 victories earlier this year.
Wigan Warriors Named Team of the Year
The Team of the Year award went to rugby league giants Wigan Warriors following their clean sweep of domestic trophies in 2024. The Warriors lifted the Challenge Cup, Super League Grand Final and League Leaders’ shield.
Emotional Prince Wins Helen Rollason Award
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when former boxer turned anti-knife crime campaigner Dr Mark Prince was presented with the Helen Rollason Award. Prince has worked tirelessly to steer young people away from violence since his 15-year-old son Kiyan, a promising footballer, was stabbed to death in 2006.
“The pain was indescribable. But I am proud of the fact I didn’t give in to bitterness and revenge. It is about using the power of choice to create legacy.”
Dr Mark Prince, Helen Rollason Award winner
90-Year-Old Sailor Scoops Unsung Hero Prize
From the youngest winner in Littler to the oldest – 90-year-old Jean Paton of the Salterns Sailing Club in Hampshire was named Unsung Hero in recognition of her incredible 40 years of volunteering to help children learn to sail.
Athletics Stars Shine at SPOTY 2024
It was a special night all round for athletics, with pole vault world record holder Armand Duplantis named World Sport Star of the Year. The Swedish Olympic champion raised his own mark on three occasions in yet another unbeaten season.
But the final word belonged to the remarkable Hodgkinson, who has already achieved more by the age of 22 than most athletes manage in a lifetime. With Paris gold in her pocket and the world at her feet, this special talent looks set to carry British athletics on her shoulders for years to come.
